Conte keen for a long Chelsea stay

ANTONIO Conte is eager to extend his Chelsea contract and insists he would love to stay at the club for many years to come.

The Italian has already led Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in England and will secure the double if his side beat Arsenal in today’s FA Cup final (5.30pm).

Inter Milan have been credited with an interest in Conte this summer but he has two years left on his current deal and is keen to sign an extension.

“If the club give me the possibility to stay here and to extend my contract, for sure I am available to do this,” Conte said.

“But we have the same idea about the future. The way we have to do things together, to improve the squad and the team.

“But, I repeat, I’m happy for this season and am happy to stay here. I hope to stay here for many years.”

Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli this week called on Conte to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson’s lengthy tenure at Manchester United and the Blues boss said he was keen to build for the long-term.

“It would be great to do this,” Conte said. “For a coach, that’s the best solution – to stay for a long time at the same club and build, with the club, something important.

“But you know very well that modern football is dangerous. Our job depends a lot on the results.

“I think the only way that I know, to convince the club I should stay a long time, is to work very hard with my players. For sure, that is my hope.”

Arsene Wenger is into his 21st year as Arsenal manager but the Frenchman is yet to confirm his plans for next season.

The Gunners are chasing redemption at Wembley after missing out on Champions League qualification in what could be Wenger’s final match in charge, and look set to replace goalkeeper Petr Cech with No.2 David Ospina.