Antonio Conte press conference: New Chelsea boss confirms John Terry will remain as club captain
Terry’s future was a controversial topic towards the end of last season with the Blues initially informing the 35-year-old that he would not be offered new terms
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Your support makes all the difference.New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that John Terry will remain as captain, saying the veteran defender has the “right spirit” for the role as he gets to work at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian was formally introduced to the media on Thursday after succeeding interim manager Guus Hiddink this month following Italy’s quarter-final exit from the European Championship.
Terry’s future with the five-time champions of England was a controversial topic last season with the Blues’ hierarchy initially informing the 35-year-old that he would not be offered new terms despite having an 18-year association with the club.
Quizzed on the subject at the press conference in west London, Conte said: “Yes, John Terry is the captain of Chelsea… when he plays, when he doesn't play. John Terry signed a contract as a player. He is a captain of this team, a great player with a great personality.
“I like to speak with him because he knows the club, the right spirit to play in this club and for me, he's an important player for me, for the club, for the fans. He signed in May but the decision was taken together, with the club.
“Of course I am very pleased John Tery has signed a new contract with Chelsea. I have spoken with him at different times. It is important for that John, when he signed, was very, very happy.”
Conte is aware of the expectation on his shoulders after Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season in one of the most disastrous title defences in recent times.
We must work in the present, work very hard... The fans need to find a team ready to fight. I know there is only one team that wins the title but we must stay there, to fight for it
Jose Mourinho was sacked in December while Hiddink, bought in to fight the fires left behind by the controversial Portuguese, now at Manchester United, left at the end of his contract in May.
But the former Juventus manager was calm on the subject, insisting the club must return to the Champions League at the earliest opportunity.
“Last season was a bad season,” the 46-year-old said. “We must work in the present, work very hard... The fans need to find a team ready to fight. I know there is only one team that wins the title but we must stay there, to fight for it.
“Chelsea belongs in the Champions League. We must stay.”
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