Antonio Conte won praise for applauding Middlesbrough's fans following their Premier League relegation as the Chelsea coach hailed the atmosphere he has come to love in England.
Following the full-time whistle of Chelsea's 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Conte was seen going over to the travelling supporters and applauding them before speaking with some of the Boro players.
The Italian said he felt it was right to praise the Boro fans for reacting to seeing their team suffer relegation by applauding the squad and revealed he had wished the players good luck for their upcoming season in the Championship.
"In this case, it's important to celebrate your win and it means for us we are close to winning the title," he said.
"For me, in the first season, it's great.
"But it's great to see a team that got relegated and to see their fans clapping the players and them staying behind to clap them back.
"This situation happens only in England. In Italy it's difficult to see a team being relegated.
"I felt in my heart to go and clap these fans and tell every single player good luck."
