Antonio Conte opens up on Tottenham Hotspur snub

By Sammy Wynne | 10 June 2021

Antonio Conte opens up on Tottenham snub

Former Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte reveals that he rejected the opportunity to move to Tottenham Hotspur as the job was not "convincing" enough.

Former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he rejected the chance to manage Tottenham Hotspur as the post was not "convincing" enough.

The 51-year-old departed Inter Milan at the end of the season, despite guiding the club to their first Serie A title in 11 years, after he did not agree with the club's plans to sell a number of players this summer.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was alerted to Conte's availability and went in pursuit of the Italian, but talks between the manager and club broke down last week, and Conte has explained why an agreement could not be reached.

It was reported that Conte's move to Spurs ended after the manager set out a list of unrealistic demands, and now Conte has opened up on the discussions.

"Generally, I like the challenges and I've accepted many of them during my career. Even the top clubs I coached were never the favourites when I arrived. However, if there's something that doesn't convince me I prefer not to accept regardless of the money," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Discussing his exit from Inter Milan, Conte added: "The market sets the price, but had I been obsessed by money, I would have stayed where I was in the past. I would have accepted compromises and obtained new contracts.

"I look for the projects instead and I am ready to stay at home if something is not convincing me. It has to do with vision, honesty and principles."

Tottenham have now turned their attention to appointing former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, and have reportedly held talks with the Portuguese.