Jose Mourinho insists John Terry will be offered the chance to extend his Chelsea contract, as his present deal draws to a close this summer.
Aside from a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2000, the 34-year-old has spent his entire career at Stamford Bridge after initially linking up with their youth side in 1995. Terry has been the permanent club captain since 2004, and during his time with the Blues, he has helped them to a number of honours including three Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and four League Cups.
His latest success came in the latter when his goal set Mourinho’s men on their way to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It was another fine performance by the former England captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season. However, the Portuguese coach has guaranteed that the defender will still be part of his plans next term.
“What I can guarantee is he will be a Chelsea player next season,” said Mourinho. “No doubts he’s going to get his contract. John is proving again that he is a player for years. When I came back he was coming from a difficult period, but last season he was very good, this season I think even better, so he has time to enjoy his football with us and at the same time we can think of what’s coming next.”
Terry has made over 650 appearances for the Blues in all competitions since making his debut as a late substitute in a League Cup match against Aston Villa back in October 1998. He has started every one of their 26 Premier League games this season as Mourinho’s side have earned a five-point lead at the top of the table, and has also started six times in the UEFA Champions League.
