Antonio Conte has affirmed that he will never forget the Tottenham Hotspur fans singing his name after his acrimonious departure from the North London club.
The Lilywhites confirmed on Sunday evening that the 53-year-old had left his post by mutual consent in the wake of his incendiary post-Southampton press conference.
Spurs conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 with the 20th-placed Saints, leading Conte to brutally attack his players and question the team's lack of trophies under Daniel Levy and Joe Lewis.
Conte apparently clarified to the board that they were not the intended targets of his scathing assessment, but there was little chance of the Italian rebuilding burnt bridges with his players.
Conte soon headed back to Italy and has remained there following the stalemate with Southampton, and the ex-Chelsea and Inter Milan boss has thanked members of Tottenham who shared his "intense" style of living.
"Football is passion. I would like to deeply thank everyone at SPURS who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach," Conte said on Instagram.
"A special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, it's been unforgettable to hear them singing my name. Our journey together has ended, I wish you all the best for the future. Antonio."
Conte departs Tottenham with a record of 41 wins, 12 draws and 23 defeats from his 76 games in charge, having replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in November 2021.
The Italian took over with Spurs sat eighth in the table, but he guided the North London club back into the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in 2021-22, and they progressed to the knockout round of the tournament as group winners this year.
However, Conte could not snap Spurs' 15-year trophyless streak, with the Lilywhites bowing out of the FA Cup and Champions League to Sheffield United and AC Milan respectively this month.
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Following the 53-year-old's departure, there was no thank you or mention of Conte's achievements from Levy, who said in a statement: "We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place.
"We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters."
Conte's former assistant Cristian Stellini has been placed in interim charge until the end of the season, with ex-Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason acting as assistant head coach.
Tottenham are believed to have sounded out Julian Nagelsmann for the managerial vacancy after the German was recently axed by Bayern Munich, but he will take some time to reflect before pondering his next career move.
Stellini takes over with Tottenham sat fourth in the Premier League table - two points better off than Newcastle United having played two games more - and his first match as acting head coach comes away to Everton on Monday night.
Ben Knapton
