Antonio Conte drops new Italy return hint amid Tottenham contract standoff

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte has cast doubt on his future at the club after reiterating that he would like to return home to Italy in his career.

Conte’s Spurs contract expires at the end of the season but they have not reached an agreement over fresh terms.

He has recently spent time back in his home country having undergone surgery to remove his gallbladder, while Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at San Siro by Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night.

Conte revealed prior to that loss that he would consider a return to Serie A in his career – a stance he reiterated post-match.

“Playing here in the San Siro as a player and manager is special, is unique. The San Siro is a historical stadium, it’s a beautiful one, it is always packed with people, it is full, and I love the fact whether it is Milan or Inter, the stadium is always crowded,” Conte began.

“It is very good for Milan and the stadium. I am pleased for both groups of fans. Today this beautiful setting was playing against us, the Milan supporters were singing all the time and it is evident they were the 12th man tonight, this will be helpful with us when we play the second leg.

“I prefer to live in the present, I don’t want to think about the future but you perfectly know that as an Italian man and the former Italy manager, Italy is in my heart and Italy will always stay there. I will never exclude the possibility that I will be back here one day, who knows.”

90min understands that Spurs remain hopeful of extending Conte’s deal in north London, and hope to have a better understanding of what the future holds over the next couple of months.