Antonio Conte has confirmed that he had a say in offering John Terry a new contract at Chelsea and has promised the Englishman that he will remain as captain next season.
Terry appeared to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer after announcing midway through the last campaign that a new deal was unlikely to be offered.
It was revealed by the West London outfit in May that Terry would indeed be given the chance to remain at the club, however, and that offer was soon taken to ensure that the ex-England international will remain in place for at least another term.
Conte, who officially took over at Chelsea earlier this week, has now admitted at his first press conference as manager that he is "very pleased" to have kept the experienced centre-back on board.
"John Terry signed a new contract as a player, not in a different role," he told reporters. "He is the captain of this team and a great player with a great personality. I want to speak to him because he knows the club and the spirit.
"When he plays he is the captain, when he doesn't play he is the captain. Always. I repeat, John Terry is an important player for me, the club and the fans.
"He signed a new contract in May and we took the decision together. We were very pleased and very happy he signed a new deal. I spoke to him at different times and he was very happy to sign."
Terry has spent the last 21 years at Chelsea, making 703 first-team appearances since joining the club at the age of 14.
Daniel Lewis
