Zouma: I don’t know how Chelsea can replace Terry

Mark Holmes
Kurt Zouma: Sure Chelsea captain John Terry can play on

Kurt Zouma does not know how Chelsea will be able to replace John Terry when he eventually leaves Stamford Bridge.

Terry has announced he is leaving the club he joined at the age of 14 after they opted not to offer him a new contract, though Chelsea have since stated the defender could yet be offered an extension, depending on the wishes of the new manager.

Zouma agrees with the 35-year-old, who has made 696 appearances so far for the Blues, that he could play on for another couple of years.

“I am very surprised – I didn’t know,” Zouma told the Evening Standard.

“Now we have to see what John wants to do because I think he can play for another one or two years.

“This feels like when we lost Didier (Drogba) last summer. (Terry) is a huge personality at Chelsea. When you lose these kind of players, you have to replace them but I don’t know how John can be replaced. We have to think about it.

“For me he can play many more times. He is still at a top level. He has been playing very well since I arrived at Chelsea. He can continue for sure.

“His performances have been consistent. Since I have been at the club, I haven’t seen him play badly. That’s the truth. He was always helping everybody.

“He has been a massive support to me. When I started my first games last year he was always talking to me. He is a legend and a very good leader. I have learnt a lot from him. I don’t know what to say, I am very surprised.”