Chelsea announce Antonio Conte contract extension

Posted Wednesday, July 19, 2017 by squawka.com

Chelsea have confirmed manager Antonio Conte has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension.

The Blues broke the news via their official website late on Tuesday as they've rewarded the Italian tactician with a new deal following an impressive first season in English football.

Conte overcame a difficult start to life in the hot seat to eventually lead the west London outfit to the Premier League title – thanks in part to a brilliant 13-game winning streak from the beginning of October to early January.

Speaking about his decision to commit his future to the club, Conte said: 'I am very happy to have signed a new contract with Chelsea. We worked extremely hard in our first year to achieve something amazing, which I am very proud of.

"Now we must work even harder to stay at the top."

'The Chelsea fans have given me so much support since I arrived here one year ago and it is important we continue to succeed together."

Chelsea announce Antonio Conte contract extension

Notably it was the former Juventus and Italy national team manager's decision to switch to his favoured 3-4-3 system on the back of defeats against both Liverpool and Arsenal which was the blueprint behind Chelsea's success in the league and the club's director Marina Granovskaia has paid tribute to the way in which Conte has adapted.

"Antonio achieved incredible success last season, adapting to English football very quickly and leading us to the Premier League title."

"This new contract reflects our belief that he can continue to deliver results both domestically and as we return to European competition in the Champions League."

Chelsea announce Antonio Conte contract extension
Chelsea scored the most goals at home in the Premier League last season.

In addition to winning the title, Conte lead the Blues to the FA Cup final – where they were narrowly beaten by the Gunners – and work on retaining their status as the best in England has already begun with a comfortable win over neighbours Fulham in a pre-season friendly at the weekend.

Ahead of the new season which will include a return to the Champions League, the 47-year-old has bolstered his squad with the signings of Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko, while there are expected to be at least a few more arrivals at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts next month.