Chelsea captain Terry signs one-year contract extension
John Terry has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea, the Premier League leaders announced on Thursday.
Terry’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho had insisted earlier this month there was no chance Chelsea’s captain would be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge and the club have followed through on that promise.
The 34-year-old centre-back has been a key figure as Chelsea have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, as well as winning the League Cup.
His new contract, which runs until the end of the 2015-16 campaign, is in line with Chelsea’s policy of offering those over the age of 30 only one-year deals, but Terry hopes to stay for several more seasons.
“It’s been a great couple of years for me. My form has been good and I’ve earned the contract, so I’m delighted to stay for another year. And hopefully there could be a few more years after this,” he told Chelsea TV.
Since his debut in 1998, Terry has established himself as a Chelsea legend, making 661 appearances and scoring a club record 63 goals for a defender.
The League Cup final win over Tottenham this season secured his 13th major honour with the west Londoners.
The former England international has won the Champions League, Europa League, three Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups.
And he is keen to celebrate the new contract by leading his club to their first league title since 2010.
“Hopefully there’s many more (trophies). That’s a massive part of why I’m staying. I want to win trophies,” he said.
“I want to remain in the side, of course, and for me to get to 14 (trophies), 15, that’s my target.
“We’re very close at the moment. We still need to get over the line. It’s going to be tough.
“To get that big one at the end of the season would be fantastic. Then we can regroup and go again next year.”
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.
“It’s down to me to hopefully stay fit, stay in the team and hopefully there will be more contracts to enable me to get closer.”
Mourinho added: “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.”
