Chelsea announce Antonio Conte departure

Chelsea have confirmed that Antonio Conte has left his role as head coach of the club.

Conte, 48, was widely expected to lose his job at the end of last season, with the Blues finishing in fifth position in the Premier League table.

The Italian was surprisingly still in charge of the English club when they resumed pre-season training earlier this week, but reports on Thursday claimed that he had left his role.

The news has now been confirmed by Chelsea, who are expected to appoint Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach following his departure from Napoli.

"Chelsea football club and Antonio Conte have parted company," read a statement on the club's official website.

"During Antonio's time at the club, we won our sixth league title and eighth FA Cup. In the title winning season, the club set a then-record 30 wins in a 38-game Premier League season, as well as a club-record 13 consecutive league victories. We wish Antonio every success in his future career."

The Blues will begin their pre-season with a clash against Perth Glory on July 23.