The former First Minister, who led the nationalists between 1990-2000 and 2004-2014, insisted he would “never say never” to a third spell.
With Nicola Sturgeon potentially about to call a second independence referendum, despite little movement in the polls since 2014, pundits are already speculating about who could replace her if her gambit fails and she steps down.
Salmond insisted his return to the top is “unlikely and far fetched”, but he added: “I learned a long time ago to never say never in politics.”
Read more: Economic case for independence 'lies in tatters', Labour says
Speaking on his LBC Radio phone-in, he said: “If I remember correctly, even Jesus only had a second coming — I don’t think I’m going to have a third coming as SNP leader.”
He insisted Ms Sturgeon will remain First Minister of Scotland “for some time to come”.
“Nicola Sturgeon, I believe, will hold an independence referendum and win it and will be the First Minister of an independent Scotland,” he said.
“My suggestion has been the likely date is a year come September, but, you know, it could be three months later, whatever, within the timetable for Brexit, within that two year period.”
Read more: Economic case for independence 'lies in tatters', Labour says
Salmond has form in playing down his leadership ambitions to deflect speculation.
In the leadership race June 2004, four years after he stepped down, Salmond said "if nominated I'll decline, if drafted I'll defer, and if elected I'll resign”.
A month later, he changed his mind and successfully stood for the leadership.
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