‘Football is passion’ - Antonio Conte issues heartfelt Tottenham statement and avoids petty digs at club after sacking

• Conte sacked after rant
• Spurs in fourth place
• Italian thanks club

WHAT HAPPENED? There were no theatrics in Conte's first remarks since being dismissed as Tottenham's manager, with the boss offering positive sentiments towards the club in a statement shared on Instagram.

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WHAT THEY SAID: "Football is passion," Conte wrote. "I would like to deeply thank everyone at SPURS who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach. A special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, it’s been unforgettable to hear them singing my name. Our journey together has ended, I wish you all the best for the future."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Conte's dismissal was seemingly tied to his sharp criticism of Tottenham as a club steeped in failure. He is well-known for butting heads with management at the organisations he works for, but those comments were seen internally as a step too far.

WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM? Spurs are in action next Monday against Everton with Cristian Stellini in the dugout on an interim basis.