Ipswich - England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson played down rumours that he will take over at Chelsea but revealed he has met new Blues owner Roman Abramovich many times.
Eriksson was pictured entering the Russian billionaire's home with agent Pini Zahavi in the summer but insisted it is all part of the England manager's job.
"I have seen Mr Abramovich many times before," the Swede revealed on Tuesday as he prepared the national team to face Croatia in a friendly international on Wednesday.
"Did he ask me to become Chelsea manager? Of course not.
"I was first presented to him some time ago by Pini Zahavi. I have known Zahavi since I was the manager of Benfica and he was involved in some transfers. Weve eaten together and, on one occasion, I met Mr Abramovich.
"That he bought Chelsea was a big surprise to me. I knew that he was planning to go into football and was also thinking about Formula One.
"But when you are invited to take a cup of tea at the house of a friend, and you're not going there to discuss a contract, I am not rude."
Eriksson revealed he had spoken to Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri about the rumours that were fuelled when the Blues signed Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron, who played under the Swede at Lazio and Sampdoria.
"I have talked to Claudio Ranieri since then, but what more can I say to him?
"I dont know how many times Ive been to Arsenal vice-chairperson David Deins house and I hope that I'm not supposed to be the next Arsenal manager.
"Of course, we talk about football. I meet other managers, say Sir Alex Ferguson, and they phone me sometimes to ask me what I think about a player.
"I think thats normal for a club or national manager. Of course, we talk football. We dont talk about the weather or cars." - Sapa-AFP