Antonio Conte may have signed a new two-year contract at Chelsea in the summer, but he admits he misses Italy and plans to return in the future.
The former Juventus coach made an instant impact in his debut season at Stamford Bridge last term, guiding the Blues to the Premier League title and FA Cup final.
Conte was rewarded for his efforts with a new contract ahead of the current campaign, which has started with four wins and a draw after a shock opening day defeat to Burnley.
The 48-year-old is certainly a popular figure amongst the fans of Chelsea, and this is unlikely to fade despite revelations he sees his long-term future back in his homeland.
“I miss it, that’s beyond doubt,” he told Radio Rai.
“Italy is my homeland, so once I have had some good experiences, formative experiences, important and life-changing experiences, I’ll be back. I don’t know when but that’s the aim.
“It’s always difficult to predict the future. Us managers have the most precarious job of all. Today you’re working, tomorrow you’re out. I want to succeed, to finish one project and make the right decision about the next.
“This experience has given me so much, has improved me so much, but perhaps in the future I won’t be a manager. Perhaps I’ll work as a director of football. I don’t know.”’
Conte won the Serie B title whilst in charge of Bari, and he lifted the Scudetto three times with Juve before he took the Italy national side to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.