The only person can stop me from smoking is… ―Sarri

Maurizio Sarri has become known for his habit of smoking cigarettes on the sidelines

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri was famed in Italy for puffing away on a cigarette on the sidelines.

The former Napoli boss is said to have got through five packs every day in Serie A and has revealed that there is only one person who can make him even think about quitting: his father, Amerigo.

Sarri told Il Mattino: “When my father learned I had this offer (from Chelsea), he told me to go to London, that it was the right thing to do.

“He did ask me to stop smoking at least while I’m here. He is the only one who for five minutes can make me wobble in my convictions.”

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Given the fact that smoking is prohibited inside English football stadiums, Sarri has been forced to abandon his matchday habit, although he was pictured smoking in his technical area in the game against Newcastle.

To compensate for the addiction, the 59-year-old Italian has largely been using what appear to be plastic cigarette filters during the first four games of the Premier League season.

The Italian has got Chelsea off to a flyer, steering them to victory in every game to leave the Blues joint-top with Liverpool and Watford at the international break.

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Despite the brilliant start at his new club, Sarri regrets the manner of his exit at Napoli and revealed that he was not permitted to say his goodbyes to players at the end of last season.

He added: “It all happened so quickly, I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to the players.

“I want to do it now and say, “You are extraordinary lads. Continue like this, because you can do it and achieve that dream we only glanced.”