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.
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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 and he is keen to celebrate the agreement by leading his club to their first league title since 2010.
.@ChelseaFC is delighted to announce that John Terry has signed a new contract: http://t.co/LXPUee0aIg #CFC pic.twitter.com/xZsuUAZWjX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 26, 2015
“I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea,” Terry told the club’s website.
“After adding another major trophy to my collection this month I hope myself, the players and manager can continue to bring success to our club.
“Playing for this great club makes me so proud. And as always I would like to thank the fans who have continually supported me.”
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.
John Terry at Stamford Bridge a short while ago… https://t.co/JaFLJDt8Yk #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 26, 2015
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.
“This new contract is not to say ‘thank you very much’. It is because John continues to perform,” Mourinho added.
“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.”