When Conte found it difficult to control his laughter!

Bengaluru, August 19: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is known to a tough character on the field.

But off the field, he is a different man altogether and if further proof was required then it came at the Premier League pre-match press conference against Tottenham Hotspur when a scribe sought his reaction to temperamental striker Diego Costa's recent comment that he was treated like a criminal at the club.

In this video which went viral on social media, 'tough-cookie' Conte is seen struggling to control his laughter.

It may be recalled that Costa, who is currently out of favour with Conte and the club managmenet had launched a scathing attack at them.

"I wouldn't be allowed access to the first-team dressing room and I would have no contact with the guys. I'm not a criminal," he said in a comment which drew flak even from Atletico Madrid captain Gabi.

Gabi urges Costa to respect Chelsea

But Conte refused to be drawn into the debate and kept laughing.

"I prefer to laugh," the Italian said.

"I can tell you everyone knows at Chelsea what happened with him last season. It is funny this interview.

"I am not interested in continuing this situation. It is the past," Conte added to put an end to the topic.

But his hysterical laugh will remain open for debate in the social media in the coming days.