Last Thursday night at Under the Bridge, the music venue and night club at Stamford Bridge, there was an unexpected arrival.
Chelsea’s stadium and training- ground staff were gathering for their Christmas party when the manager Antonio Conte burst through the doors to rapturous acclaim.
The coach had recorded a video to play to the room in his absence. Conte, however, sensed that might not quite be enough. So along Conte went, making a rousing speech in which he expressed his gratitude to the club’s staff at Stamford Bridge and Cobham training ground.
The Italian stayed for two hours at the bar, working the room and charming staff.