The Italian will make his return to club football this summer
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits he had questioned his decision to quit coaching Italy, in favour of a return to club football with Chelsea.
The Italians went into the European Championships with little expectations, in what they saw as a much weaker squad than they have been used to in recent years, to only be knocked out at the quarter-final stage by the quality of Germany.
And the 46-year-old admits that he had considered whether a move to Stamford Bridge was the right choice, after the Azzurri surpassed all their expectations and proved themselves to be one of the best sides at the tournament.
However, the former Juventus man has stated in the past his desire to return to club football and admits he is now looking forward to the challenge of working in the Premier League.
“The decision to leave the national team after two years was taken early and I don’t deny there were moments when I’d have liked to have the opportunity to continue.” Conte admitted.
“But, because of certain developments, I wasn’t able to go back on that.”
“In November I thought I was continuing with the national side,” he added. “Then I told the president of the Italian football federation of the great opportunity to join Chelsea Football Club.
“I wanted to return to the cut and thrust of club football. Now, I have the opportunity to start this exciting adventure.”
But, unfortunately, Italy fans will be left disappointed by the news that their coach has all but ended any speculation that he could return to coach his nation in the future, saying: “I think it’s impossible,
“My future lies in working at club level, my future’s with Chelsea.
“Now I’ll take seven days off to charge my batteries and shift a bit of this disappointment before taking over at Chelsea. I know it will be a difficult challenge but it’s one I will cherish.”
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for Europe and are left with the likes of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas tipped for the exit. However, one good bit of news for Conte, is that Blues veteran John Terry has signed a one-year extension with the club.
The 46-year-old is well aware of the building job at hand, after a dramatic demise from League Champions to mid-table finishers. But Chelsea fans are now eagerly awaiting what the future under the Italian brings, having sacked ‘The Chosen One’, Jose Mourinho, for the second time, back in December.
