July 3, 2016.
Chelsea official website
Antonio Conte’s Italian side were knocked out of the Euros yesterday in a quarterfinal clash against Germany.
His job with Italy is over, and he has a career to look ahead of with Chelsea. He revealed that the decision to leave wasn’t easy, but it isn’t one he regrets.
Speaking after Italy’s defeat in Bordeaux, Conte said: “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.
“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.”
Conte reveals that he is planning to take a week off before starting his work at Stamford Bridge, and when asked if he might coach the Azzurri again in the future, he said his future is with Chelsea.
“I think it’s impossible,” he said. “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.”
Despite defeat at the hands of Germany, Conte was proud of his players, and revealed that they had given everything.
“Against a strong side, we demonstrated that this is a tough team who all our opponents respected lot,” said Conte.
“The national team gives you emotion and stimuli and I hope this European Championship will leave a legacy of love for the shirts we were wearing.
“I think the biggest victory for me is having worked with this group of lads. From the kit men to the cooks – everybody who was part of this marvellous experience, this is what has given me the greatest satisfaction.
“I had the honour of working with these people, who gave me everything.
“When you do everything, nobody can criticise you at all, and these lads went beyond the call of duty, giving absolutely everything, and I think people recognise this.”
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