Antonio Conte says Nemanja Matic is “a great loss” to Chelsea.
Matic has been central to Chelsea’s last two Premier League title wins, but after being a key cog in last season’s success at the heart of midfield, has been sold to Manchester United in a £40million switch.
The Serbian international made his competitive debut for the Red Devils in the European Super Cup on Tuesday night, having reunited with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
Matic, 29, made 35 Premier League appearances last term for the Blues, but has been replaced at Stamford Bridge by Tiemoue Bakayoko, the France midfielder who cost the same price but crucially, 23 next week, is six years his junior.
Conte was keen to keep Matic as part of his side, but accepts that a decision was there to be made.
"Matic knows very well what I think about him," Conte told Sky Sports.
“The importance for me about this player, who is a really good player, a top player, very important for our team, but sometimes you must accept this crazy transfer market.
"And sometimes you must accept different decisions. But he is a great loss for us.”
Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill has echoed his manager’s sentiment.
"For me Matic is a fantastic player – a real, real top player,’ said the England international.
"I think I had the benefit of realising how good he is when he’s playing just in front of you – on and off the ball.
"He’s going to be a huge loss, there’s no doubt about that.”
The Blues get their title defence underway at home to Burnley on Saturday.