John Terry is delighted that Chelsea have wrapped up a new contract for Eden Hazard, as Jose Mourinho hints that his skipper is next in line.
Terry is a graduate of the Stamford Bridge youth system, and has made over 600 appearances for the club since debuting in 1998. During this time he has helped the Blues to three Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups, and was also involved in their successful UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League campaigns of 2012 and 2013 respectively.
It looked as though his days might have been numbered under the brief leadership of Rafael Benitez in 2012/13, but since the return of Mourinho, the 34-year-old has missed just four of the last 63 league matches. Speaking a few days after Hazard was handed a new five-and-a-half year deal at the club, the Portuguese coach has now hinted that his captain is due an extension.
“I think everybody wants to stay and especially John Terry who has been here all his life,” said Mourinho. “He accepted our policy of going year after year with a smile and he accepted it as a challenge. Last year he won the challenge and this year he is winning the right of getting a one-year extension. Sooner or later he will get the season contract he deserves.”
Terry, meanwhile, admits that it was more pressing for the Stamford Bridge club to secure the services of Hazard. The Belgian international has again been in terrific form this term as the capital club chase glory on three fronts, and he had been linked with a move to Paris St Germain. And now he has signed a new deal, the former England international hopes to follow suit.
“There are a lot more important players to sort out,” said Terry. “Eden Hazard has just signed a new contract and, for me, that’s the most important for the club. I want to stay and hopefully my performances are showing that, and they can keep me. No talks have happened yet but the club know my position. Hopefully I know theirs and it will get done. I think we both respect the position.”
