Stanic takes aim at Conte over China comments

Former Chelsea attacker Mario Stanic has taken aim at Antonio Conte in the wake of the Italian's comments questioning the money being offered by Chinese Super League sides.

Conte saw Oscar and John Obi Mikel leave Chelsea this month for Shanghai SIPG and Tianjin Teda respectively, while Carlos Tevez became the best-paid player in the world following his move to Shanghai Shenhua.

High-profile names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also been linked with big-money moves to China.

The Chelsea boss said last month that the money on offer in the CSL is a danger for all clubs, before suggesting the apparent £257 million offer on the table for Ronaldo was morally wrong.

Stanic feels Conte has no reason to complain, though, stressing the 47-year-old has never had any issues signing players from smaller clubs throughout his managerial career.

"I read how Conte cried that Chinese clubs are not being fair," Stanic told Sportske Novosti.

"Wow, wait a minute, why didn't you say that kind of things when you were Juventus or Chelsea coach?! So if Juventus is taking players from smaller clubs, it is OK and everyone should be honoured and proud, but when Chinese clubs throw money on the table it is wrong?

"I am glad that Chinese clubs have shown up because Europe's biggest clubs are a little scared now. And deservedly so, because there is now someone out there with more money...

"Players who get offers from China are finding it hard to reject a move there because of the money. But no-one has the right to criticise those who move to China. Those who do that are being unfair and are hypocrites.

"Each player has to make his own decision, taking in mind what he wants from football, what he has been through, how much he has earned so far and the fear of injuries."