Tottenham: Lengthy contract could cause Kane issues
Antonio Conte has spoken for the first time since turning down Tottenham's approach to become their new manager. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made it clear when Jose Mourinho was sacked that the club would take their time in finding a new boss.
Antonio Conte rejected Tottenham's offer (Image: GETTY)
However, negotiations collapsed at the beginning of the month with Spurs now turning their attention to former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.
Conte has now explained his decision in turning down Tottenham's approach, insisting it wasn't down to money.
“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,” Conte told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“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.
"Generally, I like challenges and I’ve accepted many of them during my career.
"Even the top clubs I coached were never the favourites when I arrived.
"Generally, I like challenges and I’ve accepted many of them during my career.
"However, if there’s something that doesn’t convince me I prefer not to accept, regardless of the money."
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Antonio Conte was Tottenham's top target (Image: GETTY)
Given what happened after long negotiations with Conte only for the deal to fall through at the last minute, Tottenham are reportedly wary about Fonseca following suit.
But Tottenham's incoming director of football Fabio Paratici is said to be keen to work with Fonseca.
Talks are already taking place on a three-year contract for the former Roma boss.