Conte: “What I read was ridiculous”

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has rubbished reports th at he failed to sign Ross Barkley from Everton because he had his phone switched off. Reports claimed Barkley had a medical at Chelsea on transfer deadline day – something denied by the player – but then snubbed a move to Stamford Bridge because he was unable to talk to Conte.

When asked at a press conference about the rumours the Italian said: “First of all, I want to tell you that I don’t like to speak about players of other teams because it is a lack of respect. But what I read about this issue was ridiculous. Ridiculous. I stop. It’s ridiculous. With this adjective, I tell you my thoughts of this news.”