Antonio Conte has joined in on Pep Guardiola's Julia Roberts joke, highlighting a small way for Chelsea fans to taunt the Manchester City boss. In a remarkable press conference, Guardiola gave a startling anecdote about the Notting Hill, Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich film star.
After beating RB Leipzig 7-0 and progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals, the Spaniard launched into an unforgettable story, saying: “I am a failure in the Champions League. If win the Champions League three times in a row I will be a failure.
“I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols. Julia Roberts years ago came to Manchester — not in the 90s when Sir Alex (Ferguson) was winning titles and titles and titles. She came in the period where we were better than United, in these four or five years, right?
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Real Madrid, Everton, James, Kante return, Mount, Sterling
“And she went to visit Man United. She didn’t come to see us. That’s why even if I win the Champions League it will not compare for the fact that Julia Roberts came to Manchester and didn’t come to see us. Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.”
The story has now been mulled over many times as Guardiola sets about trying to win the Premier League and Champions League this season but it has provided a chance for other managers to have their say. Speaking before Tottenham's match against Southampton, Antonio Conte jumped on the bandwagon.
"I remember Julia Roberts came also when I was at Chelsea," he started. "She watched the game and I had the possibility to know her and get her to the dressing room. It's good that an important person like Julia Roberts likes football, it's important for football."
It may not be much but in a season that has disappointed for most Chelsea fans, having even the smallest way of getting one over City and Guardiola may well be a highlight.
The prospect of Chelsea and City facing off in the Champions League this season and creating a true Julia Roberts derby isn't out of the equation either. The 2021 finalists are on the same side of the draw and will be pitted together in the semi-finals should they overcome Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea's Joao Felix conundrum and why Todd Boehly won't be rushed into transfer decision
Graham Potter can finally unleash Chelsea's own Kylian Mbappe vs Everton after seven month agony
Graham Potter has three N'Golo Kante questions to answer with Chelsea team selection vs Everton
Double injury boost, Mendy steps up - Three things spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Everton
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
