Chelsea have officially announced the appointment of Antonio Conte as the new manager at Stamford Bridge.
It was widely expected that current Italy boss, Conte, would be at the helm next season after he was spotted in London over the weekend to talk to finalise a deal.
The 46-year-old will officially take control at Stamford Bridge after he completes his international duties with Italy at Euro 2016 in France this summer.
This will be Roman Abramovich’s tenth managerial appointment since he took over in 2004. Conte represents a tremendous appointment, he has won three Serie A titles with Juventus; and he has presided over Italy’s unbeaten European Championship qualification campaign.
WATCH: Antonio Conte named Chelsea head coach following the conclusion of Euro 2016.
More: https://t.co/46bQhIFz0K https://t.co/F6GKc8IsHo
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 4, 2016
Conte signed a 3-year-deal until 2019 after talks with Abramovich, Chairman Bruce Buck and Director Marina Granovskaia.
The club’s hierarchy could not contain their delight:
Granovskaia said: “We are very pleased to have recruited one of the most highly regarded managers in world football and we are equally pleased to do so before the end of the current season. This aids our future planning.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Guus Hiddink, who has done a great job since he joined us in December.”
Whilst Buck added: “Antonio Conte has a record of consistent success in his career as a manager and as a player.
“We look forward to welcoming him to Stamford Bridge and are confident he will find all he needs to maintain that high standard of achievement.”
Pirlo on Conte: "When Conte speaks his words assault you, they crash through the doors of your mind". pic.twitter.com/z5VjXIqt0z
— Chelsea Transfers (@CFCTransfers) April 4, 2016
Conte too was equally delighted with his new venture in England.
“I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that,” Conte told Chelsea’s official website.
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League.
“Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.
“I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”
