It looks like John Terry has a Chelsea future after all.
The 35-year-old defender has been the club captain since the beginning of Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, and overall Terry has been a Blue since joining the youth team in 1995.
Despite his long service to the club, during which time he became the most decorated captain in the history of the West London club, it looked like Terry would be plying his trade elsewhere for the coming season.
The Chelsea hierarchy had decided against offering the centre-back a new deal, but Terry cried in public and agreed to take a massive pay cut so that he could stay for another year – and it seems that his new coach is pretty pleased to see the former England captain stick around.
“Yes, John Terry is the captain of Chelsea,” Conte confirmed in his first press conference as Blues boss.
“When he plays, when he doesn’t play. John Terry signed a contract as a player. He is a captain of this team, a great player with a great personality.
“I like to speak with him because he knows the club, the right spirit to play in this club and for me, he’s an important player for me, for the club, for the fans. He signed in May but the decision was taken together, with the club.
“Of course I am very pleased John Terry has signed a new contract with Chelsea. I have spoken with him at different times. It is important for that John, when he signed, was very, very happy.”
Looks like he’s not quite done yet anyway.
