Home Football Conte backs Terry to play for as long as Maldini

Conte backs Terry to play for as long as Maldini

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The Blues boss believes Terry isn’t close to retirement

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has backed captain John Terry to continue playing into his 40s, after admitting the 35-year-old has been important to him during his short spell so far at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian was appointed in early April to take over the Blues this summer and was quick to hand veteran Terry a new one-year deal, shortly after his appointment, and now admits he could go on to play for as long as Italy legend Paolo Maldini.

After an FA Cup meeting with MK Dons, Terry admitted his time at Stamford Bridge was set to come to an end. However, a change in circumstances, and the backing of Conte, saw him offered a new short-term contract at the club.

Players over 30 are offered one-year deals at Stamford Bridge, as part of the club policy. However, Conte has hinted Terry could still be at the south west London club for a while yet.

“I think a player must play when he feels able to.” said Conte. “If he has the will to go every day to the training ground to work, to have the training session, stay with the team and go away many days from his wife and his children.

“If he feel this then I think it’s right to continue to play. I think this is John because I see that he has the will.

“In every team there are players with great experience and I think this experience counts during the season. Even if you don’t play it’s important because that experience helps transfer the right concepts to the team.”

Conte has previously worked with Maldini during his career, with the former defender retiring at the age of 41, with 126 Italy caps to his name. But the Italian didn’t spend his latter years moving around smaller clubs, as is known for many players, but rather stayed put at AC Milan throughout his career.

Terry has impressed his new boss with his quality during training and in pre-season, and his 18 years of experience at Stamford Bridge is also helping Conte to learn the ropes of his new job in the Premier League.

“John has always played for this club. I think is in the history of this club. And it’s important for me that he can explain what means to play for this club, what means to wear this shirt, this badge. I think it’s important in the dressing room.” Conte added.

“I have spoken with him and, in the future, it’s important to have this relationship because he is the captain of our team.

“It’s important for him to transfer messages sometimes.

“I must say John is a good example during the training sessions. He has the right attitude and the right behaviour.”

 

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