Chelsea have come under renewed criticism over the sales of ‘homegrown’ players but Antonio Conte has responded with a withering critique on the mindset of young Premier League footballers.

Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah have both departed this summer for a combined £25million, for Bournemouth and Watford respectively, while Bertrand Traore joined Lyon and Kurt Zouma was sent out on loan.

Chelsea’s purchase of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko was seen as the final straw for Chalobah, in particular, yet Conte believes there is a wider issue in the modern game and revealed his frustration at the attitude of players and their advisors.

“At one point you have to take a decision and to understand what is the best for the club,” he said.

“The young players want to play, to go and loan, they want to play regularly. The young player doesn’t want to suffer.