Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly said Vladimir Putin wants to grant him Russian citizenship and appoint him the country’s economic minister, Agence France-Presse reports.

“In Italy, I have been relegated to the sidelines, but Putin has told me he is willing to give me citizenship, and entrust me with running the economy ministry,” La Stampa newspaper quoted Mr Berlusconi as saying at a dinner party.

“My future? Becoming minister for my friend Putin,” the 78-year-old reportedly said.

Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi are longstanding friends.