Antonio Conte is confident that Dele Alli's deadline-day move to Everton was a “good decision” for both Tottenham and the midfielder, who needed “another challenge in his life”.
Dele joined the Toffees in an eleventh-hour deal on Monday, ending six-and-a-half years as a fan favourite in North London.
The deal is an initial free transfer, which has raised some eyebrows, with Everton set to pay £10million when Dele has made 20 appearances and potentially as much as £40m if a series of conditions are met.
“It was a good decision for both sides, for the club and for the player,” Conte said. “I think Dele needed another experience, another challenge in his life.
“He’s a good guy and for sure I want to tell him thanks for the time we worked together but I think it was good for the player and also for the club to take this decision. Good luck to Dele and the other players that went on loan to other teams.”
Dele could be joined at Goodison Park by Steven Hitchen, who resigned his post as Tottenham's technical performance director on Wednesday and is talks with Everton over a sporting director role.
“With Steve, I had a good relationship," Conte said. "For sure. It’s a pity when a good person, a good man decides to resign.
“And then, at the same time, it’s important to respect the decision of every single person. For me, it was good and I enjoy the time we spent together with Steve.
“He worked a long time for this club and for this reason it’s right to tell him thanks. And now, personally, I wish him good luck for his career and his future.”
