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Cape Town - Former Chelsea midfielder Mario Stanic has given his take on the money being spent by Chinese Super League clubs, calling out Antonio Conte for his sanctimony.
Blues boss Conte recently voiced his distaste for the big-money transfers to China, which included two of his own players: Brazilian playmaker Oscar and Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The Italian was asked to give his opinion on the inordinate salary offered to Carlos Tevez to join Shanghai Shenhua, to which he responded: "I think it's not right. I don't agree with this situation."
But Stanic, who made 59 appearances for the west Londoners between 2000 and 2004, pointed out the obvious cognitive dissonance of taking offense at obscene spending in modern football while also managing Chelsea.
"I read how Conte cried that Chinese clubs are not being fair," the Croatian told Sportske Novosti. "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.
"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.
"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."
