Antonio Conte, the former Chelsea manager, has revealed that he turned down a lucrative offer to manage in Saudi Arabia. However, he expressed his interest in managing two European giants if given the opportunity. Conte has been without a job since March when he was sacked by Tottenham. Despite being linked with a return to Italy, he failed to secure a new job over the summer.
Conte has recently been linked with the Napoli job, as there are reports that Rudi Garcia will be sacked after a poor start to the club’s title defense. However, Conte disclosed that he received one serious offer, which he turned down. The offer was from Saudi Arabia, a country that made significant transfers over the summer and is now seeking top managers to join their ranks.
Instead of accepting the offer, Conte has his sights set on a return to Italy. He expressed his desire to manage either Roma or Napoli, two prominent Italian clubs. However, he clarified that he would only consider taking charge at the end of the season. Conte regrets leaving Juventus after just three years and would like to try an experience in Roma or Napoli in the future.
Conte’s decision to reject the offer from Saudi Arabia puts him in a different category from managers like Steven Gerrard and Roberto Mancini, who have chosen to take on managerial roles in the Middle Eastern nation. Conte’s preference for a return to Italy reflects his desire to manage in a familiar environment and potentially lead one of the top Italian clubs.
Conte’s managerial career has been impressive, particularly in Serie A. He won three consecutive league titles with Juventus before moving on to manage Chelsea and then Tottenham. His success in Italy has made him a highly sought-after manager, and it is no surprise that clubs like Napoli and Roma are interested in securing his services.
While Conte’s immediate future remains uncertain, it is clear that he has options and is waiting for the right opportunity. His rejection of the offer from Saudi Arabia indicates that he is looking for a project that aligns with his ambitions and values. Whether he will ultimately manage Roma, Napoli, or another club in Italy, only time will tell.
In the meantime, Conte’s decision to turn down a lucrative offer highlights his commitment to finding the right fit for his managerial career. It also demonstrates his confidence in his abilities and his belief that he can make a significant impact at a top European club. As fans eagerly await Conte’s next move, it is clear that he will be a highly sought-after manager whenever he decides to return to the sidelines.