“Wanted me at Chelsea” – Player says Antonio Conte manager was ‘crazy’ about him

Antonio Conte managed Chelsea for two seasons between 2016 and 2018 and helped the Blues win the title and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

After spending a year away from the touchline, the Italian was appointed Inter Milan manager in the summer.

Radja Nainggolan was one of the players he had at San Siro, but the Nerazzurri have since allowed the midfielder to join Cagliari on a season-long loan deal.

The former Belgium international was one of the names linked with the west London club when Conte was at Chelsea and the claims of interest from the Europa League winners continued until the start of this year.

Conte coached the 31-year-old for a month during preseason. Speaking to DAZN, Nainggolan admitted the current Inter manager was keen on acquiring his services when he was at Chelsea.

“One day he called me aside and told me he was ‘crazy’ for me and he wanted me at Chelsea,” Nainggolan was quoted as saying by Calciomercato.

“Yes, I would have liked to be coached by Antonio Conte. In a month, I saw his determination and his ideas. He’s very clear and direct, when something was not right, he immediately told me.”