Antonio Conte admits it is a pity Kevin De Bruyne will line up against Chelsea for Manchester City

Antonio Conte admits he would prefer to have Kevin De Bruyne in his team as Chelsea prepare for their clash with Manchester City. 

Chelsea signed De Bruyne from Genk for £7million in January 2012 but he was unable to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. 

The Belgian was sent out on loan to Werder Bremen and was eventually sold to Wolfsburg for £18m before City paid a club-record £55m to lure him back to English football last year. 

"De Bruyne played with Chelsea and is a really great player,' said Conte. "It's a pity that, now, he's playing for another team. 

"For sure, this, because he's a fantastic player. But now he plays with Manchester City. I wish for him the best, after our game.'