John Terry: I am staying at Chelsea

26 July 2009 16:04
In a much-anticipated statement, the Chelsea captain claimed it was 'never a possibility' that he would leave Chelsea but confirmed he was pushing for the club to sign new players. 'There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all. I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been,' Terry said. 'Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer. 'When you are linked with any club or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility. I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier. However throughout this period there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea board and we all agreed that the timing of any statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas. 'What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever. This has been further proved by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain that he will take the club on to the next level. 'Another important factor was knowing that Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us onto greater success. I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can.' With Chelsea completing their pre-season tour to the United States last night, talks will now take place with Terry over improving his current £130,000-a-week contract which has three years left to run. Although Chelsea will not match the near £200,000-a-week City were offering Terry who they had bid £30 million for the 28-year-old will again become the club's highest-earning player. Despite Terry's statement, which confirmed Chelsea's confidence that he would not leave, there is no doubt that he was tempted by City's offer and that the defender does have concerns about his present club's ambitions. He is still pushing for a marquee signing having named David Villa and Franck Ribery as the type of players Chelsea should be signing. The club had hoped to release a statement earlier, with talk of Terry's future dominating their tour, and his continued silence showed that discussions had to take place and reassurances given. There will now be widespread relief at Chelsea that the issue has, at last, been put to bed while City may turn their attentions to West Ham United's Matthew Upson who would cost around £15 million.

Source: Telegraph