Antonio Conte sends emotional farewell message to Tottenham fans but makes ‘intense’ admission
Antonio Conte has written a farewell message to the Tottenham Hotspur supporters following his departure from the Premier League club.
The Italian manager left Spurs by mutual consent on Sunday, after a controversial interview following their 3-3 draw to Southampton proved to be the last straw for Daniel Levy.
Conte will now reportedly return to Italy, as the 56-year-old coach weighs up his next destination.
He posted on Instagram on Monday evening: “Football is passion. I would like to deeply thank everyone at SPURS who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach.
“A special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, it’s been unforgettable to hear them singing my name.
“Our journey together has ended, I wish you all the best for the future. Antonio.”
Conte leaves Tottenham having guided them to a fourth-place finish last season, but ultimately failing in his aim to win a major trophy.
According to Sky Sports, the coach would like his next job to be in Serie A. However, there are not many clubs in Serie A that are prepared to meet his salary demands nor any that can invest in the team in the way he would like.
Conte couldn’t replicate his previous success at Spurs
Once a successful midfielder in his playing days, Conte has previously enjoyed considerable success as a manager in Italy and England.
His first managerial role came at Arezzo, where he disappointingly suffered relegation after replacing another well-known coach – Maurizio Sarri.
But he then achieved success in his second role, guiding Bari to a Serie B title in 2008-09, which earned him opportunities with Atalanta and Siena.
After a return to Juventus was rumoured for some time, having become a club legend for the Old Lady in his playing career, Conte finally took the helm in Turin in 2011.
Conte then incredibly guided his team to three consecutive league titles, along with two Supercoppa Italiana wins.
With the Italy national team, a quarter-final appearance at Euro 2016 was the best that Conte could manage.
However, more success soon followed at Chelsea – where he claimed one Premier League title and FA Cup win during a memorable two-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
Conte then lifted another Serie A when returning to Italy with Inter Milan, while also reaching a Europa League final, before heading back to England as the new Tottenham boss in November 2021.
The coach ultimately failed to replicate his success at Spurs, but as mentioned, did help them to qualify for the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Now, Tottenham’s focus turns to finding a long-term replacement, with his now-former assistant Cristian Stellini set to take charge for the remainder of the season, alongside club stalwart Ryan Mason.
