Antonio Conte has insisted John Terry will always be Chelsea captain, with his influence felt both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to reporters as Blues manager for the first time, the Italian was quizzed on Terry's role in his first-team squad following two successive seasons of speculation over the defender's future.
Terry went on to pen another new one-year contract in late May, six weeks after an agreement with Conte was announced by the club, and the former Italy head coach underlined the captain's importance to him.
"John Terry signed a contract as a player, not as a different role," he told reporters.
"He’s the captain of this team and a great player, with great personality and great charisma. I want to speak with him because he knows the club and the right spirit for the club.”
Speaking to reporters as Blues manager for the first time, the Italian was quizzed on Terry's role in his first-team squad following two successive seasons of speculation over the defender's future.
Terry went on to pen another new one-year contract in late May, six weeks after an agreement with Conte was announced by the club, and the former Italy head coach underlined the captain's importance to him.
"John Terry signed a contract as a player, not as a different role," he told reporters.
"He’s the captain of this team and a great player, with great personality and great charisma. I want to speak with him because he knows the club and the right spirit for the club.”
