Conte: I won't be away from Italy 'for a long time'

Antonio Conte conceded that he misses his native Italy, and declared that it is "without any doubt" that he'll return to work there in what may be the not-too-distant future.

The 48-year-old collected the Premier League title in his first season at Chelsea's helm, but rumours in the lead-up to the current campaign suggested that he was unimpressed with the club's transfer policy. He quashed that tattle when he inked a new contract in July, until his confession to RAI Radio 1 that he's feeling homesick in London.

"For me, I do miss Italy and this I can say without any doubt, there is certainly no thought in my mind of remaining abroad for a long time," he said, with translation from ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell. "Italy is my country so, once I've had a good, learning experience, I will return to Italy.

"I don't know when it will be, but I'll come back. It's always hard to predict the future, especially for us coaches, because it's one of the riskiest jobs around - today you are in one place, tomorrow you are in another because you are dependent on results. As far as I am concerned, I always want to finish a project and for things to go the right way, but if you ask me if I miss Italy, then yes I do miss Italy, this is a matter of fact."

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Conte referring to the lack of job stability as a manager echoes sentiments aired by Zinedine Zidane, who has played down the importance of the duration of a new Real Madrid contract when his role is viewed on a day-to-day basis. He may also be aware of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's impatience with bosses. Since taking over in 2003, the Russian has seen 14 different regimes in the dugout, including interim appointments.

The former Siena, Juventus, and Italy gaffer may simply seek a steadier footing with familiarity away from the training pitches and Premier League grounds.

"Definitely this experience in England has enriched me a lot in all aspects," Conte explained. "Like I said, it's not easy. In Italy, you have the comfort with the language, the way of life, the habits, and you find people who are used to this way of life, so that makes it easier."

He added: "You have got to get used to a different language and this leads to a substantial loss of energy as you need to concentrate to work in a different language. For me, it's not easy to coach abroad."

Conte will eventually leave England a fan of the country's game. He noted the excellent atmosphere in stadiums up and down the nation, and was especially complimentary about the support shown by fans of Middlesbrough and Sunderland after their respective teams were relegated last season.