Antonio Conte only focused on Chelsea title charge amid links to vacant Inter Milan job

Fully focused | Antonio Conte says money does not motivate him
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Simon Johnson11 May 2017

Antonio Conte today insisted he is not distracted by reports that Inter Milan want him to become their new manager and is only focussed on helping Chelsea secure the title.

Conte continues to be linked with a return to Serie A with Inter, but the Italian maintains that he has two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, who will win the Premier League if they beat West Brom tomorrow, are not worried about the rumours and are planning to hand him a new deal in the summer.

Conte's wife and daughter are also still scheduled to move over to the capital on a permanent basis during the close season.

When asked about being linked to Inter, who sacked their coach this week, once again, he said: "I repeat what I said before: I have a contract for another two years with Chelsea, but also I like to repeat in this moment, for me and my players, the important thing is to be focused on the moment. The moment is very important.

"It's not important the single person: me, or the future for the players. Now we must be focused on the next few games and try to reach this fantastic target. I think it's right.

"It's normal to have a lot of speculation around my players and the coaches, different coaches, so it's important not to lose the concentration and be focused. The moment is fantastic for us, and I want to transfer this message.”

Reports in Italy suggest that Inter are prepared to pay the former Italy manager £250,000-a-week to take over at the San Siro.

In Pictures | Chelsea vs Middlesbrough | 08/05/2017

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Chelsea currently pay him around £91,000-a-week after tax, but Conte is adamant he is not motivated by financial rewards.

He added: "I think that, when you reach a type of level, the money yes... it could be important, but it's not all (everything).

"When you stay at this level, the money only explains to you your value. It tells you your value. It's not important.

"I repeat: when you work in football before as a footballer and stayed at the top level for many years, it's the same when you become a coach. I think that money is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to win.

"It's the most important thing for me and the players, to write the history in the club when you work. I think this is the most important thing. Money is important, but it's not everything.

"It's logical that, when you start the work in a new club, the will is to continue to work and improve your work for many years. For sure, this is my will.

"But now the most important thing is to reach our target. To arrive at this moment, in this position, to have this great opportunity... we worked very hard for the whole season (for this). Now it's important to be ready and to try to do this step, to win and then to celebrate together.”

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