Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has delivered his verdict on Tottenham appointing Antonio Conte as their new manager.
Spurs announced the news on Tuesday morning just over 24 hours after confirming the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo in the wake of Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Conte's arrival marks his return to the Premier League after winning a top-flight title and an FA Cup with Chelsea between 2016 and 2018 - a period in which Fabregas played under the manager.
Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici had tried to tempt Conte to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer after he had left Inter Milan but ultimately failed, eventually settling for the out of work Santo.
Under Conte's stewardship at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas made 86 appearances, scoring 10 goals and assisting a further 22.
Only Cesar Azpilicueta, Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro, N'golo Kante and Gary Cahill were used more by the Italian during his time at the club.
So it is no surprise to see Fabregas has retained a huge amount of respect for his former manager - even if it has not meant gaining any for Spurs.
Taking to Twitter a few hours after the announcement, the Spaniard wrote: "I hate to say it but what an appointment by Spurs."
After vocally booing Santo as well as the club's board, Tottenham fans will be hoping to see an instant impact from Conte in their Europa Conference League clash with Vitesse Arnhem on Thursday night.
But perhaps the biggest impact will be on Harry Kane, with football.london understanding that the misfiring striker is excited to work under the Italian and is also impressed with the ambition shown by the club.
Chelsea fans will be able to see Conte back in action at Stamford Bridge when Spurs travel to west London on January 22 for their second top-flight clash of the season.
