Conte commits to Chelsea after signing new two-year deal

MANAGER Antonio Conte has signed a new two-year contract with Chelsea, the club has announced.

The Italian guided the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

“I am very happy to have signed a new contract with Chelsea.

“We worked extremely hard in our first year to achieve something amazing, which I am very proud of.

“Now we must work even harder to stay at the top,” Conte said on the Chelsea’s official website.

Conte penned a three-year deal on his appointment last summer after leading Italy into the European Championships.

It’s understood the new contract represents improved terms for the Italian, but is not an extension.

Chelsea made the announcement as Conte and his squad headed out for a pre-season tour to Asia, which will feature matches against FA Cup winners Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Conte added: “The Chelsea fans have given me so much support since I arrived here one year ago and it is important we continue to succeed together.”

Under the guidance of Conte, 47, Chelsea recovered from a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sept 24 to mount an impressive run of form which saw them produce 30 wins - as well as a club-record 13 consecutive League victories.

However, they missed out on the double when losing to the Gunners in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “Antonio achieved incredible success last season, adapting to English football very quickly and leading us to the Premier League title.

“This new contract reflects our belief that he can continue to deliver results both domestically and as we return to European competition in the Champions League.”

Chelsea also confirmed additions to Conte’s backroom staff for the upcoming campaign, with compatriots Paolo Vanoli joining as assistant to the first team head coach and Davide Mazzotta working as assistant/ player analysis.

Last week, Chelsea announced the signing of midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco in a deal reported to have cost around £40 million (RM220m).

The arrival of the imposing defensive midfielder will add considerable power and energy to Conte’s side but raises further doubts about the future of Nemanja Matic, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Juventus.

It’s believed Matic and striker Diego Costa are set to miss the trip to Asia, which begins next week.

And last night came news of another possible gazumping of Chelsea by a Manchester club.

Following the loss of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, another Conte target, Real Madrid defender Danilo, is in talks with City.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Pep Guardiola has stolen a march on Conte by entering advanced negotiations with the player.

Chelsea appeared in pole position to land the Brazil star with Express Sport understanding a deal was all but done.

However, City’s interest has come out of the blue and Conte could now be set to miss out on yet another target. – The Independent