Chelsea boss Antonio Conte speaks out on Jose Mourinho: He's the enemy

ANTONIO CONTE has praised Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho for the influence he had at Stamford Bridge.

By Luke Gardener        

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has praised Man United manager Jose Mourinho

The Special One returns to his old club this Sunday as the Red Devils look to pick up a Premier League victory.

And Conte understands the special relationship Mourinho will always hold with the club's fans.

He said: "I think that he was an important manager for Chelsea, with the club and the players he wrote a part of the story.

Chelsea will hope Eden Hazard can inspire Conte's side to victory against Man United

"He won three championships here and was an important man to the club.

"I think he deserves a good reception because, I repeat, I wrote with the players/staff a part of the story of this club."

But Conte was quick to clarify that on Sunday Mourinho will be the enemy at Stamford Bridge.

Man United boss Jose Mourinho will return to Chelsea for the first time since being sacked

He added: "He becomes, like the players of Man United, an enemy... but only on the sporting aspect."

Chelsea are currently three points off Premier League leaders Manchester City.

If the Blues lose to United, Mourinho's men will leapfrog their opponents on Sunday.