Asmir Begovic Reveals Talks With Antonio Conte Convinced Him To Stay At Chelsea

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Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has revealed he decided to stay at the Stamford Bridge club after a discussion with incoming manager Antonio Conte, 90min reports.

Begovic had been linked with a move away from Chelsea in the summer, having largely played as a reserve option to Blues number one Thibaut Courtois since his transfer from Stoke.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Begovic revealed he was urged to stay by Conte and help the club win trophies.

“It was a clear situation. He made it clear, his philosophy. I never talked about leaving,” Begovic stated. Of course I want to play but at a big club you also have to accept you are part of a squad going for several trophies, different cups and be part of a big group.

“It’s nice that the manager wants you to be part of that. We have three top keepers. We train hard, we need to stay at the top of our games.”

Injuries and a dip in form from Courtois gave Begovic ample first-team opportunities last season, figuring in 25 matches in all competitions. So far this season his only appearances for Chelsea have come in the EFL Cup, in wins over Bristol Rovers and Leicester City.

Before his move to Chelsea, Begovic spent six seasons at Premier League side Stoke, establishing himself as one of the best goalies in the league. The 29-year-old has also represented Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2009, making 50 appearances and appearing for his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.