Antonio Conte “never regretted for a day” choosing the Italy job, but reiterated he was “not given what I was promised.”
The friendly with Spain kicks off at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
This is his first match since announcing his exit from the Azzurri bench when Euro 2016 has concluded, most likely to join Chelsea.
Antonio Conte “never regretted for a day” choosing the Italy job, but reiterated he was “not given what I was promised.”
The friendly with Spain kicks off at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
This is his first match since announcing his exit from the Azzurri bench when Euro 2016 has concluded, most likely to join Chelsea.
“You in the media asked me to be clear as soon as possible for the good of the Nazionale so they can plan for the future and not reach the Euros with a Coach who didn’t know his destiny.
“In that sense, I think I behaved the way you asked me to. You wanted me to be clear and fair, so I was,” he noted in a Press conference.
“Of course it is disappointing that often you see people try to find controversy in everything, to create a loud headline and stir up trouble.
“This is a fantastic experience and there was never a day when I regretted my choice. Quite the opposite. I hope everyone can live this experience, because it remains with you forever. Training at club level and training the nation of your birth are two very different things.”
Conte said that he felt like a luxury car left in the garage and wanted to spend more time training with the players, as a February get-together was cancelled by clubs and the Coppa Italia Final was not brought forward despite his protestations.
“I explained that I didn’t feel well used, because I had been promised when becoming the Italy Coach that I would get to work a lot more than I did.
“I didn’t want to show a lack of respect to anyone. I always demand respect and try to give it in return.
“I thought I’d do more in this role, I had been promised that too, it didn’t happen, so we move on.
“This doesn’t change anything for the squad. I see this as a unique occasion, so do many of the players. It’s my first experience at the Euros, I feel responsibility and in June all of Italy will be behind us pushing us on. That has to give us great strength to bridge the gap that separates us from some other teams right now.
“We have created a team and that is very important in a tournament like this.”