Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has admitted that a return to Italy could be on the cards in the future, claiming that ‘Italy is always my first love’ as his side shape up to take on AC Milan on Valentine’s day.
The Lilywhites travel to San Siro to take on Italian Champions AC Milan in the Champions League last 16, with Conte’s side looking to get past the first knockout round for the first time since they lost to Liverpool in the 2018/19 final of the competition.
And, speaking about his return to Italy, albeit only briefly, Conte hinted that, though he loves the Premier League, it is a return to Italy that he truly pines for in the future.
“After Chelsea, this [Tottenham] is my second chapter in Premier League. The atmosphere at stadium is amazing, I love it — it’s so easy to fall in love with English football”, he explained.
“But you never forget your first love and Italy is always my first love”, Conte added.
File photo dated 21-12-2022 of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte who has brushed off concerns over the form of Tottenham defender Eric Dier but may still rest him for Sunday?s visit of Aston Villa. Issue date: Saturday December 31, 2022. 2M5WC30 File photo dated 21-12-2022 of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte who has brushed off concerns over the form of Tottenham defender Eric Dier but may still rest him for Sunday?s visit of Aston Villa. Issue date: Saturday December 31, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
His latest comments pour further fuel on the idea that the Italian will not be in charge of Tottenham beyond this summer, when his deal in north London is due to expire, amid reports that he will walk away at the end of the season rather than prolong his stay with the Lilywhites.