A former Russian footballer has explained how sad he was to see Antonio Conte leave Inter at the end of the Scudetto winning season in 2020/21, according to a report in the Russian broadcast media.

Speaking whilst on-air with Russian sports channel, Match TV, Sergej Ignashevich explained how good Inter were last season under the guidance of Antonio Conte.

“Everyone knows Conte’s football, but still no one has managed to adapt. Inter seemed to be playing cat and mouse with their rivals last year and in the end, ended up at the top of Serie A.”

The ex-CSKA Moscow defender then discussed how he wishes the Italian coach had taken the vacant material position at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, a job that was eventually taken by Nuno Espirito Santo.

“I’m very sorry he’s gone. And it’s a shame he didn’t move to Tottenham.  I can’t wait for him to lead a new team.”

Antonio Conte left Inter when he learned the full extent of the cost-cutting measures that the owners were planning to introduce.

These measures led to his departure as well as the sales of Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku, two players that were absolutely key to Inter winning their first title since the 2009/10 season under Jose Mourinho.