Next Real Madrid manager: Antonio Conte rules himself out of the running to succeed Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui was sacked last month after a disappointing start to life at the Bernabeu with Santiago Solari put in interim charge as Florentino Perez searches for a replacement

Antonio Conte insists he has no intention of returning to the game this season and won't be taking over at Real Madrid.

Julen Lopetegui was sacked last month after a disappointing start to life at the Bernabeu with Santiago Solari put in interim charge as Florentino Perez searches for a replacement.

Conte was initially considered a strong favourite for the role but opposition from high profile members of the dressing room appeared to see him drop out of the race,

And now the Italian, who is still involved in a legal dispute with former club Chelsea over the terms of his exit in the summer, has confirmed he won't be taking over, at least for now.

"Real Madrid? As I see it, it is better to wait until the end of the season than to take a train running now," he told Sky Sports.

"I want to wait for June and start again with a new project. In three months I could change my mind and deny everything, but I've always thought of it this way."

Conte's former club Juventus could be a possible destination should Max Allegri leave and he appears open to a return to his homeland.

"If I think about the fact that I could train Ronaldo? No, I do not think about it," Conte added. "I'm happy with the players I've trained and the things I've won. The club continues to grow and is doing a great job at the business level, with huge purchases and a great deal for Allegri.

"Of course, I am Italian and I like to live and train in Italy, obviously, at the moment there is an incredible dominance of Juventus, but the pursuers are they are strengthening year after year ".