Speaking ahead of Chelsea FC’s Monday night clash with West Brom, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that he thought John Terry’s career was ‘over’ when he returned to the club last season.
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‘I thought he was in trouble. I thought he was over,’ stated Mourinho before going on to credit himself with keeping Chelsea’s club captain at Stamford Bridge.
‘I think he knows that, without me, he probably wouldn’t be at Chelsea in this moment. But I also know that, probably without him, we wouldn’t be Premier League champions.’
This has been quite a season for the 34 year old centre-back. So far Terry has played every minute in the Premier League and should he continue in the same vein, he will become the only outfield player other than Gary Pallister to win a title in such a fashion.
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Mourinho admitted that, having fallen out of favour with the likes of Rafa Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo, Terry’s career at the top level was all but done. The fact that he was plagued by injuries didn’t help either.
‘He hadn’t played for the previous two years, two or three consecutive matches. He was not an option for the managers. He was injured. The managers preferred other players in front of him.’
Boy how things turn.
Terry has been arguably the league’s best defender in this campaign, which is reflected in the fact that Chelsea have by far the meanest defence. Meanwhile on the offensive side of affairs, he has chipped in with five goals (one off his career best tally) and has already tied his record amount of eight in all competitions.
Furthermore, while it was thought that JT’s international retirement in 2012 was a realisation that his time in the Premier League was coming to an end, Mourinho believes that this season’s performances have proven otherwise.
‘I think he’s in the condition to play international football…This season is showing his condition is very good.’
While it is unlikely that Terry will re-enter the England fold, there are few people who would say that he wouldn’t deserve a starting spot nor is physically up for it.
Looking to the future, Chelsea have renewed the defender’s contract for another season (in line with their contract policy regarding senior players) although it would be unfair for fans and pundits alike to expect the same level of performances next time round. Unlike other professions in which a decline may be quite gradual, in such a physical sport footballers are more vulnerable to a severe collapse.
Having said that, should this scenario occur Terry would still be invaluable in the dressing room and would be more than game to lend a hand to some of the younger talents. Either way, keeping him at Stamford Bridge next season is nothing but beneficial. Mourinho, though, may want to make sure he has cover at the back.
So, Chelsea fans, how many games do you reckon JT will feature in next season? Vote and sound off in the comments below!
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