Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has denied reports suggesting he may return to Italy.
Reports have been surfacing in Italy for a few weeks suggesting that Conte has been considering a return to Italy – one such report suggesting he would take up a role at Inter Milan, however, the Chelsea boss has no rubbished reports linking him with a return to his home country, stating that he is happy to stay in West London.
“I read the interview about Federico Pastorello. I don’t know him and I don’t know why this person has spoken about me,” Conte said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
“I think I stay here, I am happy to stay here and this is the most important thing.
“I don’t like other people to speak for me. I have two more years on my contract with Chelsea, this is the truth.
“But it’s normal to try and involve my name in this situation because I worked in Italy and I think they want me to go back to Italy.”
Conte was also asked about recent reports linking Andrea Pirlo, who Conte once managed, joining Chelsea within a coaching role – but the former Juventus manager claimed Pirlo wishes to continue his playing career, and does not yet have any interest in taking up a role in coaching, under Conte or otherwise.
“I am listening to a lot of things, but Andrea is playing and he wants to continue playing. So I don’t know why this situation is put to me,” Conte said.
“It’s important I stay focused on the present for my players.
“The present is more important than the future for all of us. I prefer to be focused on the present and try to finish this season, making it a great season.”
