No sentiment attached to new Terry contract, insists Mourinho
CHELSEA boss Jose Mourinho insists the decision to hand skipper John Terry a new one-year deal was governed by his enduring on-field value and not sentiment.
Terry’s existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season but he is now committed to the Blues until the end of next term, in line with the club’s policy of only offering players over the age of 30 one-year deals.
The 34-year-old has made 661 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit since his first-team debut in 1998 and earlier this month scored Chelsea’s opener in their Capital One Cup final triumph over Tottenham at Wembley.
“This new contact is not to say ‘thank you very much’, it is because John continues to perform. He is a top defender,” said Mourinho.
“I am happy that he completely deserves this new contract after a season where he has already played 40 matches.”
Chelsea’s League Cup success represented Terry’s 13th major honour at the club, and with the Blues holding a six-point lead at the Premier League summit, the former England captain is targeting further silverware. Terry added: “After adding another major trophy to my collection this month I hope myself, the players and manager can continue to bring success to our club.”