Antonio Conte finally opens up on his deepest regrets last season, says he would have kept 1 Chelsea star at the Bridge if he had the power

macfranc007 March 10, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naija.ng Oluwatomiwa Babalola

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has described John Terry’s departure from the Stamford Bridge in 2017 as a ‘big loss’.

The 37-year-old was instrumental to the Blues Premier League triumph last season, having finished outside of the top teams in the 2015/16 league season.

Terry joined English Championship side, Aston Villa last summer after winning a total of 17 major titles at the club in his 19-year reign.

Meanwhile, Conte, who is likely to get fired at the end of the ongoing season, said was keen on keeping the former England captain at the Bridge for yet another season, but the experienced defender wanted more playing time.

The Italian born tactician hailed the commitment of the former West Ham United player, adding that his leadership quality helped the players stay focus on the team target.

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"For us it was big loss. as quoted on Tribal Football

"I tried to keep him for another season but he wanted to play and I understood this. I wished the best for him and his family.

"John Terry's role last season was incredible. He didn't play a lot of games but despite this his commitment was incredible, great.

"He helped me a lot in the changing room and for sure, with John Terry, we are talking about a player with great experience."

Terry was a part of the Blues team that won their first and only UEFA Champions League title in 2012 – beating Bayern Munich on penalties after the normal regulation period had ended 1-1.

He also led his colleagues to finish as the Europa League champions the following year, among many other individual titles to his credit.

Chelsea will battle Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 10 as they hope to fight their way back into the top four teams on the log, while they face Barcelona in a crucial Champions League round of 16 decider at the Camp Nou next week.

After 29 rounds of matches, the Blues have 53 points from 29 matches – 25 points behind current league leaders, Manchester City, who are just few matches away from being crowned champions for this league season.

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