By TIM FONTENAULT
After three years and three Serie A titles, Antonio Conte has resigned as manager of Juventus.
The Italian tactician has parted with the Italian giants by mutual consent. Conte won 102 of the 151 matches he oversaw for Juventus.
Despite success on the home front, Juventus has continued to struggle in the UEFA Champions League, and Conte has previously said that he could quit the club if they did not invest in new players.
“I have matured with time and my feelings led me to make this choice,” Conte said on Tuesday. “It may be more difficult to keep winning with Juventus.”
During the 2011-12 season, Conte’s first in charge, Juventus became the first Italian team since AC Milan to go through a season without a loss and the first to do so during a 38-match season.
Here are more stories to be paying attention to on Tuesday afternoon:
DIEGO COSTA JOINS CHELSEA
The Spanish international has completed his move to the Premier League, signing a five-year deal with Chelsea.
Costa enjoyed a meteoric rise to international stardom at Atletico Madrid. After spending the 2011-12 season on loan at Rayo Vallecano, Costa returned to Atletico and scored 56 goals over his final two seasons with the club.
During the 2013-14 season, Costa led the Spanish club to the La Liga title and a runners-up finish in the UEFA Champions League.
The 25-year-old striker is coming off a difficult debut for Spain at the FIFA World Cup. Costa, who chose to play for Spain over Brazil, failed to score as the 2010 champions were eliminated in the Group Stage.
LIVERPOOL SIGNS MARKOVIC FROM BENFICA
Brendan Rodgers continued his summer shopping spree on Tuesday as Liverpool completed the signing of Serbian international Lazar Markovic.
Markovic scored seven goals in 49 appearances for Benfica last season, as the Portuguese side completed a domestic treble and finished second in the UEFA Europa League. The 20-year-old striker has already established himself as a regular for the Serbian national team.
“I am very happy that I have joined such a great club,” Markovic said after completing his medical and signing what the club describes as a “long-term” deal. “I hope that I will fulfill the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club. I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and I cannot wait to start playing here.”
Markovic is Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer, joining Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Emre Can.
KROOS CLOSING IN ON MADRID MOVE
Fresh off winning the World Cup, Toni Kroos could soon be on his way to Real Madrid.
Kroos has been linked to the Spanish giants for some time, and now Bayern Munich executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that the two clubs are in talks regarding the 24-year-old midfielder.
Rummenigge confirmed that the club and Kroos were unable to come to an agreement over a new contract. Kroos’ current deal expires next year, so Bayern is open to selling him if the price is right.
“It is clear we do not want to lose the player for free next year,” Rummenigge said. “We have a financial responsibility towards our club.”
QUICK KICKS
Celtic manager Ronny Deila says that it is “stupid” that the Scottish side must navigate three qualifying rounds to reach the Group Stage of the Champions League. (REPORT)
Roma signing Ashley Cole says that English players are afraid to go abroad. (REPORT)
Napoli’s president says that talks between his club and Swansea City are “well under way” as the Italian side looks to land Michu. (REPORT)
While they have been a seller this summer, Southampton has offered Jay Rodriguez a five-year deal to remain at St. Mary’s. (REPORT)
––
What do you think of Tuesday’s headlines? What is Conte’s next move? Do you believe Costa can succeed at Chelsea? See Kroos fitting in at Real Madrid?
Share your thoughts below.