John Terry has signed a new one-year deal with Chelsea, as the 34-year-old center back will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge into an 18th season.
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Terry’s current deal was up at the end of the 2014-15 season but since Jose Mourinho returned for his second spell at Chelsea boss in the summer of 2013, Terry has been ever-present and his form during the current campaign has helped the Blues lift the League Cup trophy (he scored the opening goal in the final) and they look odds-on to add another Premier League title to the trophy room in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Chelsea’s website, Terry revealed his delight at extending his stay in west London.
“I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea,” Terry said. “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. Playing for this great club makes me so proud. And as always I would like to thank the fans who have continually supported me.”
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Terry’s boss, Mr. Mourinho, is also happy to have his leading central defender on board for another season.
“This new contract is not to say ‘thank you very much'; it is because John continues to perform,” Mourinho said. “He is a top defender. I am happy that he completely deserves this new contract after a season where he has already played 40 matches.”
It is true that Terry will likely be in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of this season as his reading of the game and leadership skills have helped the Blues to the second-best defensive record in the PL with just 25 goals conceded this term. Many believe Terry is still England’s best central defender, but the Chelsea skipper has no intentions of returning to the Three Lions setup following his retirement from international play in 2012.
Throughout his glittering Chelsea career Terry has won one UEFA Champions League trophy, a UEFA Europa League, three Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups plus countless individual honors.
His job will now be to not only continue to anchor Chelsea’s defense but also to help nurture young defender Kurt Zouma to take his place, as well as passing the torch to Gary Cahill.
