Antonio Conte said that he was flattered after being mentioned by Milan ultras while the Rossoneri were on the search for a new coach, but insists he does not know those who brought his name up in conversation and has no involvement in the unfolding controversy surrounding the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri supporters.
19 people, including several Milan and Inter ultras, were arrested as part of a high-scale operation on Monday morning.
Wire taps have revealed that certain high profile players and coaches, including Simone Inzaghi, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Calabria had conversations with some of the arrested ultras at various stages over the last few years, but Conte insists that he has never had any involvement with any of them.
Conte flattered by Milan ultras, but no other connection
While at his pre-match press conference ahead of Napoli-Como, journalists informed the Partenopei coach that his name had been mentioned by Milan ultras in the recently uncovered wire taps.
“I can’t do anything about that,” Conte chuckled in response. “Their appreciation only pleases me,” he continued.
“If I had had direct contact with these people, then it would have been serious, but I don’t know them . It’s appreciation from the fans, and that pleases me as far as my job and my work is concerned, especially having worked for rival clubs like Inter and Juventus.”
“I read about the arrests, I don’t know the situation very well, so it’s difficult to express my views without knowing the full situation.”