‘I’M STILL A HERO’

ANTONIO CONTE insists that he is “always a hero” who has worked even better this season than last.

Chelsea cruised to the Premier League title under the Italian 12 months ago, but are now just one FA Cup Final defeat away from finishing this term empty handed, having also missed out on Champions League qualification in fifth place.

Conte’s future as Blues boss is uncertain, but he is adamant that his commitment and work ethic can not be questioned.

He said: “I didn’t change my commitment for the club. My commitment has always been the same. Maybe this season we worked harder than last.

“Last season we were heroes for Chelsea’s fans. Now our status, me and the players, has changed? I don’t know. But in my soul and heart, I’m always a hero as I gave 120 per cent.

“I like to win trophies. I like to be a winner. But, at the same time, when you work very hard, when you try to give every day 120 per cent, you must be satisfied.

“For sure, I protect my work. I’m very pleased about my work. This season, I worked better than last season. I worked harder.

“Usually, when you have a lot of positive situations, it’s more simple. When you have a negative situation, then you must be prepared to work very hard and improve every aspect. In this season, I did this together with my staff.”

Last year’s FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal marked the start of Chelsea’s downturn under Conte (right), and he added: “When you win, you must understand which is the best way to improve.”