Conte ready to let Ivanovic leave Chelsea

Antonio Conte says he will allow Branislav Ivanovic to leave Chelsea if the defender decides he needs more regular first-team football.

Ivanovic, who has attracted interest from Zenit St Petersburg, marked what could be his final appearance for the club with a goal against Brentford in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The 32 year-old has been a first-team regular for much of his nine years at Stamford Bridge but has started only six Premier League games this term, and Conte admitted he would stand in Ivanovic’s way if he wanted to leave.

The Italian said: “This season he is not playing a lot with us and I know that when a player has the habit of playing every game, and it happens that you are not playing regularly, it’s not easy to accept this decision.

“He knows well the situation and I’m pleased if he remains here, if he stays with us.

“But in this situation the player must make the best decision for him and his family. I’m ready to accept any decision because I think he deserves great respect for his career at Chelsea.

“He played a lot of games, he won a lot with this team, and I think we have to respect his decision “

Conte refused to comment when asked if Ivanovic had asked for a move, adding: “I don’t like to speak about my relationship with my players.

“If I have a conversation with them I prefer to keep private.”