Antonio Conte becomes the new Chelsea boss, according to the Blues’ official website. He penned an agreement that will see him take charge of Stamford Bridge for the next three years, after he completes his duties with Italy’s national side this summer at EURO 2016.
Conte expressed his excitement of joining the elite of the Premier League, once he’s done with the national side. “I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League.”
The new Chelsea boss stressed the importance of English football across the globe, and that he hoped to replicate the success he enjoyed in Italy, both as manager of Juventus (2011-2014) and Italy (2014-2016). “Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy,” he said.
For now, Conte simply wants to dedicate himself to Italy’s national side and their efforts in France this summer, before he takes the helm of the club that currently languishing in 10th position. “I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”
(Image credit: ESPN FC)
Before he led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles, he enjoyed managerial spells with Arezzo (2006-07), Bari (2007-09), Atalanta (2009-10) and Siena (2010-11). The new Chelsea boss had started out his playing career with Lecce, before making a switch to Juventus in 1991. He would go on to represent the Turin side for a total of 13 seasons, making a massive 400+ appearances for the club before hanging up his boots in 2004.
Marina Granovskaia, Chelsea’s Director, said, “We are very pleased to have recruited one of the most highly regarded managers in world football and we are equally pleased to do so before the end of the current season. This aids our future planning.”
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