Which way to turn now, JT? Future of Chelsea captain Terry still unclear

10 July 2009 00:53
John Terry's future at Chelsea will become clearer over the next few days when the England captain has a series of formal discussions with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. Terry reported back for pre-season training on Thursday afternoon and, after a first meeting with coach Carlo Ancelotti, he had a preliminary discussion with board director Eugene Tenenbaum about the interest being shown in him by Manchester City. Sources at City said they were encouraged by the news that club owner Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon were not at Chelsea's Cobham training base to resolve the situation with the player Ancelotti regards as 'the symbol' of his new team. But Tenenbaum is regarded as the liaison between Abramovich and the players and an informal chat with the Russian's lieutenant is seen as the first part of a process that could yet end with an improved contract for the long-serving Chelsea skipper. Terry is already earning around £130,000 a week but last night there appeared to be a slight shift in Chelsea's stance in regard to offering him a new deal. On Monday, Kenyon insisted there was no need to make such an offer when Terry's contract still has three years to run, but there is an acknowledgment that the money on offer at City does represent a major pay rise. With bonuses, a move could double his salary. It is not just about money for Terry. He will also seek reassurances about the ambition of the club and the desire to strengthen the side with major signings. But after rejecting City's offer of £28million last week, Chelsea do not want to sell their talisman. Rumours that Terry has handed in a written transfer request were last night dismissed as 'nonsense'. Daniel Sturridge insists that Chelsea, rather than Manchester City, is the place to be for players who are serious about winning trophies. The 19-year-old striker is convinced that he made the right decision by joining Chelsea from City and said: 'I'm not motivated by money. I'm only motivated by winning trophies and becoming a great player in football history. I can achieve that at Chelsea.'

Source: Daily_Mail