Conte: Terry is Chelsea captain whether he plays or not

Ian Watson

John Terry: Agreed new deal after he seemed destined to leave

Antonio Conte will continue with John Terry as Chelsea captain, whether or not the defender plays.

The 35-year-old defender signed a one-year contract extension – his third such deal – in May, having in January declared his expectation that he would leave this summer.

Terry, who has made more than 700 appearances for the Blues, has been reassured his considerable influence is valued.

“Yes, John Terry is the captain of Chelsea when he plays, when he doesn’t play. You are always the captain,” Conte said as he was unveiled as Chelsea head coach at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

“He’s captain of this team, he’s a great player, with a great personality, with great charisma.

“I like to speak to him because he knows the club, the right spirit to play in this club and for me he’s an important player.

“When a player deserves to play, with me, (they) play.”