Antonio Conte has spoken about his departure from Juventus, saying the time was right for him to leave the Serie A champions.
Conte led the Bianconeri to three consecutive Scudetti, but dramatically departed the club in July, before taking over as CT of the Italian national team.
“When you have a strong sentimental relationship, there comes a time when it’s right to separate - for the good of everyone,” Conte told Enrico Varriale on 'Il Processo del Lunedi’.
“It’s hard to understand if you’re a fan, but everything was done with good intentions.
“My relationship with Agnelli, Marotta and Paratici isn’t broken. The relationship remains, but I thought and I said that after three years we had reached the end.”
Conte also reflected on his three years with Juventus, which included three Scudetti, an unbeaten season and a record 102-point total.
“In three years, Juve built a skyscraper from the ground up. [When I took over] the team was coming from two seventh-place finishes, and it wasn’t easy to bring in the right mentality.
“However, by the time we went to the training camp I realised I had at my disposal a group of players willing to overcome any obstacle.
“I had a great team, and along with the President we believed we could achieve miracles. And that’s what we did.”
Conte backed his former club as favourites for the Serie A title, but believes Roma will run them close.
“Juve are still favourites for the Scudetto, but Roma are on a similar path to the one we did. Last year they’d have won the title, but came up against a monstrous Juve side.
“They’ve made some smart signings, and are trying to build their own stadium.”