Antonio Conte paved the way for him to take charge of Chelsea in the summer by announcing today that he will step down as Italy manager after Euro 2016.
The 46-year-old did not drop Chelsea’s name but has been heavily tipped for the Stamford Bridge job, and did suggest that he wants to return to club management.
SEE MORE: Antonio Conte to step down as Italy manager after Euro 2016
“At the moment, my focus is on the Euros, where we’ll try with hard work and sacrifice to do our best at the tournament,” Conte is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“Anyone who knows me, knows I will give my total commitment to this. I feel I should go back to being a club manager, to have the chance to train with players every day.”
The Blues, who have Guus Hiddink in interim charge, have been searching for a long-term successor to Jose Mourinho since December, and their fans were getting itchy!
Now the Chelsea contingent on Twitter want Roman Abramovich to confirm Conte as their next manager so that they can start planning for, and looking forward to, a new era.
Confident that Conte will win us at least 1 league title in his first 2 years in charge. #CFC
— Simply Hazard (@DareToHazard) March 15, 2016
Welcome aboard Conte, now get your shopping head on #CFC — ross adams (@Rossads1984) March 15, 2016
Conte to leave Italy finally confirmed. Onwards and upwards lads ! #CFC
— XeroPhobous (@Xero__95) March 15, 2016
Can’t wait till the first day for the season when Conte is finally announced — Rory (@VivaChelsea) March 15, 2016
Announce Conte, announce Terry player/coach role and announce transfer budget for Conte! #cfc
— Geoff Barnes (@Geoff_Barnes) March 15, 2016
Conte it is then… Big job on for him! Clear out the dead wood and refresh! #CFC #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/lXVQD7JbVo — CFCin3 (@CFCin3) March 15, 2016
Quit playing with my feelings and announce Conte and Terry’s contract extension @ChelseaFC
— Fabrelous (@TooFabrelous) March 14, 2016
Waiting for Conte’s announcement as #CFC new manager like… pic.twitter.com/MxF27jwIlR — DiegoCosta (@CatenaccioHQ) March 15, 2016
Conte led Juventus to three successive Serie A titles before taking the Italy job in August 2014, and won five more before hanging up his boots. No wonder Chelsea fans are excited.
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