Chelsea captain John Terry will not be leaving the club in January, Blues boss Antonio Conte has stated.
The former England international was linked with a loan deal to Premier League rivals Bournemouth, after the league leaders recalled on-loan defender Nathan Ake from Eddie Howe’s side.
When asked whether or not head had spoken to his captain about a move to the Vitality, Conte said:
“Honestly, no,
“With John, I speak every day. John never talked to me about this situation and it means he is very happy to stay here and, above all, I am very happy John stays here and helps me.
“John is an important player for me – if he plays or doesn’t play – because he’s a really important man in the changing room.
“This squad needs him. He’s a great player but also a great man and for me it’s fantastic to have a person like him to help me in my first season at Chelsea. I repeat, John stays with us. He is our player, he is in my squad.”
The four time Premier League winner has made over 670 appearances for the west London side, winning a further five FA Cups, three League Cups and Champions League on the way.
However, with Conte overhauling his squad since his arrival, the 36-year-old has made just eight appearances in all competitions this season.