Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte said he felt pity for former side Chelsea after the Premier League team's billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich had sanctions imposed on him by the British government following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich, who had been under scrutiny, announced last week that he was selling the west London club but that process is now on hold leaving the team in a state of limbo, operating under a special government license.
Italian Conte guided Chelsea to the league title in 2016-17 and the FA Cup crown the following season and said that he felt sorry for their plight.
"It's not easy, and honestly, it's a pity, it's a pity also because I was the coach of this club and enjoyed two seasons," Conte told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United.
"I won two titles... in this club and it's a pity to listen the situation. It's not simple for the players, it's not simple for (manager) Thomas Tuchel, the fans, the Chelsea environment."
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 for a reported 140 million pounds ($183 million) and his investment resulted in the most successful era in their history as they won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League twice.
The entry on the British sanctions list described Abramovich as "a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch" who had enjoyed "a close relationship for decades" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich has denied having such ties.
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" designed not to occupy territory but to destroy its neighbor's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.
"Honestly I hope that in general that this situation between Russia and Ukraine is going to finish and to find peace because it's too much important," Conte said. "I hope the best for this club... for sure I love the team."
