Antonio Conte has been questioned about his role in Chelsea’s decision to sell Nathan Ake to AFC Bournemouth last summer.
The Netherlands centre-back started last term on loan at the Vitality Stadium, but was brought back to Chelsea by Conte in January due to the narrow size of the Blues squad.
Ake was putting in superb displays for the Cherries during the first half of the season, but his return to Stamford Bridge didn’t mean too good for his playing time. Ake ended up making just two league appearances for the Premier League winners before the end of the campaign, and thus decided to leave permanently when Bournemouth made their club record £20m offer for him.
Conte says that he gave his opinion to the club regarding Ake’s situation, but highlights the fact that the club made the decision to sell him. The Italian also hinted that the 22-year-old was not going to be a regular starter at the club.
“My answer is always the same. I can give my opinion to my club but then the last decision is for the club and this must be very clear. To play regularly is not simple. It means one between Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill or David Luiz doesn’t play.”
– Antonio Conte, Standard
Chelsea will face Bournemouth tomorrow away from home at 17:30 GTM. Eddie Howe’s starting line-up is likely to include both Ake and the former Blues keeper Asmir Begovic, who also left Chelsea last summer to join the Premier League rivals.
