I’m not sexist, homophobic or racist - Sarri

Maurizio Sarri insists he is not homophobic, sexist or racist despite previous controversial comments.

The new Chelsea manager’s time in Serie A involved allegations of inappropriate remarks, including to a female reporter.

In 2016, he was fined €20,000 and handed a two-match touchline ban after making homophobic comments towards then Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini. The ex-napoli boss said he has made mistakes but they were not representative of his character. “People make mistakes. Those who know me very well cannot define me in this way. Neither homophobic, nor sexist, or racist. Absolutely not,” he said. “I’m an extremely open person and I do not have these kind of problems.

“I hope I will be able to show this when I’m working here”

Former player Gianfranco Zola is to return to Chelsea by taking up the role of assistant first-team coach