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Conte clarifies talk of Italy return: 'The translation was wrong'

Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte assuaged fears he would cut short his tenure at Stamford Bridge, telling reporters during a news conference Friday that his quotes on RAI Radio 1 were translated incorrectly.

Conte reportedly declared last month that there was "certainly no thought" in his mind to remain abroad "for a long time," adding: "Italy is my country so, once I've had a good, learning experience, I will return to Italy."

This prompted reports that Conte wasn't looking to stay at Chelsea for very long, despite signing a two-year contract extension in July. But Conte was quick to brush off those reports as a misunderstanding.

"I did an interview two weeks ago and the translation was wrong," Conte told reporters, as quoted by BBC Sport. "All I said was that one day in the future I would like to go back to Italy. But you know my position. I have two years contract with Chelsea and am happy to work for this club and with my players. I like to have this great feeling with our fans.

"My family stay here with me, not in Italy. My daughter goes to school here. It is important to write the truth.

"Every coach, when they start, they work with the club and hope they will stay for a long time and build something important. At the same time, I always say our job is difficult and is strange."

Chelsea fans will certainly hope Conte remains where he is after the Italian tactician guided the Blues to a Premier League title in his first season with the club, securing a Champions League return for the 2017-18 campaign.

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