Tottenham coach Antonio Conte is taking a break in Italy

Team manager Antonio Conte from top English club Tottenham Hotspur has had to take a longer break after surgery and the removal of his gallbladder in early February. The 53-year-old is returning to his home country of Italy for the time being.

The decision came after a check-up, the club said. Conte is represented by his assistant coach Cristian Stellini.

“Out of a sense of responsibility towards the club, the professionals and the tifosi, I hastened my return. Unfortunately, I underestimated the intervention, which was not routine,” Conte wrote on Instagram.

“My body has suffered and now I have to take a break until I fully recover. Anyone who knows me knows how much it hurts me, but now this break is necessary. Come on you Spurs,” added Conte.

Tottenham had recently suffered defeats in the league at Leicester City (1-4) and in the Champions League at AC Milan (0-1).