Antonio Conte opens up on special history with Ryan Mason

Antonio Conte has spoken of his delight to have Ryan Mason as part of his coaching staff at Tottenham, particularly with the unusual history the two have shared.

Conte has brought in seven of his own coaches as he looks to turn Spurs' season around.

Mason, who is just 30 years old, also makes up part of the Italian's backroom staff, having been forced to retire from playing after suffering a fractured skull while playing against Conte's Chelsea in 2017.

"It was a strange situation. I went to the hospital to find him and his family as it was a serious injury," Conte told Spurs' media channels.

Following his retirement, Mason took up a developmental role in Spurs' academy, and took charge of the first team at the back end of the 2020/21 season after Jose Mourinho was sacked - a short spell that impressed Conte.

"I followed him last season when he was Spurs coach for two months. Then to arrive to Tottenham and find him - he's really good guy and I think this could be a good experience for him," he added.

"To stick together and help me and my staff to adjust and feel the sense of belonging and feel what it means to play for this club. I think it is very important to be involved emotionally in the club that you are working."

Mason also spoke on the unusual intertwining of his and Conte's paths, commenting that the new Spurs head coach is a true gentleman.

"It’s pretty strange to be honest. When I had my injury, it was against his team at Stamford Bridge," he said.

"He came to the hospital afterwards to see me and my family. I don’t really recall that to be honest because of the nature of my injury, but there’s a photo where he’s with me at my bedside and I think that shows what type of man he is - a very, very classy individual. 

"Then my only England cap was against his Italian team out in Italy in 2015, so there’s that history there and hopefully we can come together and create some positive history for Tottenham now.

"I’m delighted and very excited to join the team under the boss and also the staff that he’s brought along. It’s an exciting chapter for the football club, we’ll be looking to work hard, improve and get some positive results in the short term, but also in the long term as well. 

"I spoke to the boss on the Tuesday after the first training session, we spoke a bit about joining the team and becoming part of the coaching staff and it’s something I’m really excited about. 

"He’s one of the best managers in the world - his record speaks for itself. It’s a massive opportunity for me, and a massive opportunity for the football club to have the boss here coaching and helping the team."