Soccer

John Terry signs one-year extension to Chelsea deal

Veteran defender will stay at club until the end of 2015/16 season at least

John Terry has signed a new contract with Chelsea until the end of the 2015/16 Premier League season. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters/Livepic
John Terry has signed a new contract with Chelsea until the end of the 2015/16 Premier League season. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters/Livepic
Thu Mar 26 2015 - 17:18

John Terry has signed a one-year contract extension at Chelsea, committing to the Premier League leaders until the end of next season.

The Blues announced the skipper's new deal on Thursday, three weeks after manager Jose Mourinho guaranteed Terry would be at Stamford Bridge next term.

The 34-year-old’s existing deal was set to expire at the end of this season and the new contract is in line with Chelsea’s policy of offering those over the age of 30 only one-year deals.

Terry’s new contract runs until the end of the 2015-16 season.

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The central defender, who has retired from England duty, lifted the Capital One Cup with Chelsea on March 1st – his 13th major honour with the Blues – and hopes to add the Premier League title.

Chelsea entered the international break with a six-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City and with a game in-hand.

Terry has made 661 appearances for the Blues, scoring 63 goals, and winning the Champions League, Europa League, three Premier League titles and five FA Cups.

He said on chelseafc.com: “I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea.

“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.”

Terry appeared to be being phased out at Chelsea under Mourinho’s predecessor, Rafael Benitez, with injuries contributing to a lack of match action.

Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole left after lengthy stays at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, but Terry was given a new contract less than 48 hours after the close of Mourinho’s first term back at Chelsea.

The former England captain, who graduated from Chelsea’s academy and made his first-team debut in 1998, has been rejuvenated by the return of the Portuguese, who says the deal has been earned on merit.

Mourinho said: “This new contract is not to say ‘thank you very much’; it is because John continues to perform. 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.”