John Terry claims Jose Mourinho's honesty revived his career
ByPA Sport Report
Updated 27/03/2015 at 10:57 GMT
John Terry has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho for reviving his Chelsea career as the captain eyes more trophies and more time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's coach Jose Mourinho (R) and captain John Terry attend a media conference at Stamford Bridge in London April 29, 2014 (Reuters)
Image credit: Reuters
Terry on Thursday signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues, committing to the Premier League leaders until the end of the 2015-16 season.
Chelsea announced the skipper's new deal three weeks after Mourinho guaranteed Terry would be with the club next term.
The 34-year-old's existing deal was set to expire at the end of this season and the new contract is in line with Chelsea's policy of offering those over the age of 30 only one-year deals.
Terry hopes to stay at Chelsea for some time to come.
Terry told Chelsea TV: "I'm delighted to stay for another year. And hopefully there could be a few more years after this."
Terry attributed his longevity to "hunger, hard work, wanting to win" and said Mourinho has had a key role.
"The honesty that he had with me when he first took over, basically: 'play well and stay in the team. If not there will be other players that will come in and step in'," Terry added.
"He just demands that from everyone on a daily basis. He's doing everything right at the moment. We're top of the league and everyone's hungry."
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Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (L) and Chelsea's captain, English defender John Terry (R) celebrate with the trophy during the presentation after Chelsea won the League Cup final football match against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in L
Image credit: AFP
The central defender, who has retired from England duty, lifted the League Cup with Chelsea on March 1 - his 13th major honour with the Blues - and hopes to add the Premier League title.
Chelsea entered the international break with a six-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City and with a game in-hand.
"Hopefully there's many more (trophies)," Terry added.
"We're very close at the moment. To get that big one at the end of the season would be fantastic.
"Then we can regroup and go again next year. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully there's going to be many more."
Terry has made 661 appearances for the Blues, scoring 63 goals, and winning the Champions League, Europa League, three Premier League titles and five FA Cups.
Asked if he could close in on Ron Harris' club record of 795 appearances, Terry added: "I didn't think it was possible. I'm not sure now. It's still a long way.
"Hopefully there will be more contracts to enable me to get closer."
Terry is a great survivor; the new deal will take him into his 20th season with Chelsea.
He appeared to be being phased out at Chelsea under Mourinho's predecessor, Rafael Benitez, with injuries contributing to a lack of match action.
Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole left after lengthy stays at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, but Terry was given a new contract less than 48 hours after the close of Mourinho's first term back at Chelsea.
The Portuguese says the new deal has been earned on merit.
Mourinho said: "This new contract is not to say 'thank you very much'; it is because John continues to perform. 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."
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