Carlo Ancelotti insists he has no desire to leave Chelsea & reveals meeting to discuss his future will be held in the summer

Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed stories linking him with an imminent return to Italy by saying he wishes to at least see out the last year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Rumours are rife that Ancelotti will be sacked by Blues owner Roman Abramovich at the end of a disappointing season which is likely to end without a trophy after Manchester United all but secured the Premier League title at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The 51-year-old Italian has been repeatedly linked with a return to his homeland next term to manage Roma, where he spent eight years as a player, but was keen to distance himself from such speculation.

When asked about his future, Ancelotti told reporters: “Italy is my country and I can’t say I will never go back there. I love my country.

“But in the last two years I found a fantastic atmosphere here, with no violence in the stadiums, and I would like to stay here for this reason.

“I have another year on my contract and I would like to stay but that is a decision of the club. We will arrange a meeting after the end of the season.”

The Chelsea boss also accepted his players had failed to live up to the club’s high expectations this year, but paid tribute to their efforts in getting themselves back into the title mix with an impressive run of form which saw them take 25 points from a possible 27.

“I am honest and I have to say that we didn’t do the best. Last year was a fantastic season and this one has been a little bit different,” he said.

“But I think they have to consider all the season. I want to thank the players because for the last two months they were the best team in the Premier League.”