Eriksen reveals his shock at Conte's decision to leave Inter

Inter Milan star Christian Erisksen has admitted he is as surprised as many after Antonio Conte’s shock decision to leave the club.

Christian Eriksen has admitted Antonio Conte’s departure from Inter Milan was a ‘shock’ as the midfielder left open the door for an exit from the San Siro this summer.

Conte helped Inter end Juventus’ nine-year dominance of the Italian top flight by securing the title this season, but stunned fans last week by walking out of the club.

And Eriksen, 29, who impressed in the final months of the triumphant campaign under the Italian, has admitted he equally as surprised to hear the news of Conte’s departure.

Eriksen only the last of few players who claim they were surprised Conte left as he seemingly didn't want to.
— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) May 31, 2021

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Eriksen said: “We knew that the coach would talk to the club, it also happened at the end of last season, but honestly what happened was a sporting shock.”

The midfielder initially struggled after arriving from Tottenham in the 2019-21 January transfer window and fell out of favour under Conte.

But the Dane saw more minutes during the title-winning run-in, scoring three goals in their final eight Serie A matches, admitting it took time to adjust to Conte’s way of playing.

“Antonio and I have always been good friends, he simply saw football in one way and I in another” he added.

“Personally there was nothing to discuss. It was about winning and that’s what we did. And after all, I can thank him for winning a trophy.”

Conte’s departure has seen stars including Achraf Hakimi, Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku linked with moves away from the San Siro, and Eriksen refused to close the door on a move away himself this summer.

His contract runs until 2024, but he admitted him staying at the club will depend on which manager is in charge next season.

When asked about his future, Eriksen said: “Unfortunately I don’t know what will happen and at the moment I’m not focused on this, but on the European Championship.”

“It will also depend on the new coach and on Inter’s strategies. On a technical level, of course, I’d like to play more advanced rather than stay ahead of the defence.”