Premier League: Antonio Conte signs new contract with Chelsea

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been rewarded by the club for the successful first season in charge with an improved contract for another two years. The deal does not extend the initial period that Conte was supposed to spend at Stamford Bridge as the Italian manager signed a three-year contract when he joined the Blues in 2016. The deal probably adds improved wages and bonuses and most likely a higher release clause in case the manager would want to leave before the deal runs out.

"I am very happy to have signed a new contract," said Conte. "We worked extremely hard in our first year to achieve something amazing, which I am very proud of. Now we must work even harder to stay at the top." The Italian manager has previously said that he would be willing to commit to a longer deal at Stamford Bridge. In May he said he wanted to stay with Chelsea "for many years" and added: "If the club give me the possibility to stay and extend my contract, for sure I'm available to."

Conte had a great first season at Stamford Bridge and in the Premier League, winning the title at the first attempt and also led the team to a club record 13 consecutive victories. The Blues also reached the FA Cup final but lost to Arsenal at Wembley. Chelsea had finished 10th in the Premier League in the previous season. Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "Antonio achieved incredible success last season, adapting to English football very quickly and leading us to the Premier League title. This new contract reflects our belief that he can continue to deliver results both domestically and as we return to European competition in the Champions League."

Chelsea are 7/2 at Bet365 to win the Premier League title again next season.