LONDON -- Antonio Conte has revealed why he didn't join Tottenham Hotspur last summer. Spurs searched for a new coach last summer with Conte, before finally appointing Nuno Espirito Santo.

In negotiations, Spurs and Conte did not find an agreement, so they had to look for other alternatives. Now the situation is reversed, Conte is willing to become the manager of the Lilywhites, and has signed a contract for 18 months.

Conte admits it will take longer, following his departure from Inter Milan at the end of last season. According to him, the negotiations with Spurs occurred when he had just been sacked by Inter Milan, and was too emotional.

'' So I feel this is not the right time to re-train, '' said Conte, cited Express, Wednesday (3/11).

The former Chelsea manager also revealed the role of Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, in wanting to move to north London. He considered it was Daniel Levy's enthusiasm and determination that could rub off on him.

“Now the opportunity has returned. I have chosen to take it with great confidence,''he said.