Conte wants Chelsea players to produce fitting tribute to Wilkins

Antonio Conte has paid tribute to Ray Wilkins following the Chelsea and QPR legend’s death earlier this week.

The Blues boss spoke passionately about his club’s former captain, who died aged 61 on Wednesday following a cardiac arrest.

The Premier League announced on Wednesday that all matches this weekend will be preceded by a moment’s applause in memory of the ex-England international, whose other clubs included Manchester United and AC Milan.

Chelsea will have their own tributes to a man who worked as an assistant manager and coach with the Blues, with memories in the matchday programme, a book of condolence and a picture montage all planned ahead of Sunday’s match.

Ahead of that game, Conte spoke about his own meetings with Wilkins and what his loss means to the club.

“It was tragic news for us,” he said. “We are talking about a really good person. I was lucky to know him and speak with him many times. He was a legend for this club, an ambassador for football.

“We are very sad because it is very difficult to accept this news. We want to pass on to the family our deepest condolences and I think this is a big loss.”

While Sunday’s game against the Hammers is expected to become an emotional afternoon for all involved, Conte wants the fixture itself to be treated differently to the pre-match tributes.

“I think on Sunday we must be ready to make a great memory to Ray,” he added.

“I think that this will be very important, then there is the game. But I see two different situations and it is not right to mix the situations, we must have great respect for the tragedy and think to play football to give the best during the game.”