New deal for Conte at Bridge
FROM BACK PAGE remarks annoyed Wenger, whose response was so strong he risks embarrassment if he does not now keep his promise.
The Gunners boss said: “The decision has been made and we will stick to that. The decision is not to sell. I have not spoken to him (since the interview). But I can only reiterate what I have said before.”
Wenger’s stance was backed up by Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti (above), whose side face the Gunners in a pre-season friendly today.
He said: “We Sanchez but opportunity and about other WHAT Arsene Wenger said about his stars moving on... and what actually happened. ROBIN VAN PERSIE March 2012: “Our plan is to keep Robin, he is the leader of our club. He is under contract until 2013.” August 2012: Van Persie signs for Manchester United. SAMIR NASRI July 2011: “Samir Nasri is very happy at the club and is committed to staying.” August 2011: Nasri joins Manchester City. EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR July 3, 2009: “I think he will be still at talked about there was no we thought players.” Arsenal this season.” July 18, 2009: Adebayor signs for Manchester City. CESC FABREGAS July 2011: “Cesc loves the club. We know the Barcelona story goes on for years now and we have to close that.” August 2011: Fabregas signs for Barcelona, whose youth academy he left to join Arsenal. FRANCIS JEFFERS February 2003: “We want to keep him. He is not for sale. He is very much in my plans.” September 2003: Jeffers joins Everton on season-long loan. ANTONIO CONTE signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea last night – then claimed he will have to put in a bigger effort to defend the title.
The Blues boss was an instant hit in his first season in England as Chelsea became the first club to win 30 games in a Premier League campaign.
But with the Champions League to tackle and significant spending over the summer by his rivals, Conte knows it will be tougher next season.
The Italian said: “I am very happy to have signed a new contract. We worked extremely hard in our first year to achieve something amazing. Now we must work even harder to top.
“The fans have given me so much support since I arrived here one year ago, and it is important we continue to succeed together.”
Club director Marina Granovskaia believes the new deal was well-deserved after such an impressive entry to English football.
She said: “Antonio achieved incredible success last season. This new contract reflects our belief he can continue to deliver results both domestically and as we return to the
Champions League.”