Regarded as one of the greatest central defenders of this generation, John Terry played under a host of top-class managers during his heyday at Chelsea.
As the Blues’ most successful captain, the English center-back was arguably the first name on the team sheet of his coacheS. It was the same under Antonio Conte until a terrible ankle injury against Swansea City marred the veteran’s campaign just a few weeks into the 2016/17 season. Terry was then replaced by upcoming defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The Chelsea icon remembers Conte with great fondness, despite him leaving his boyhood club at the end of that fateful campaign after Chelsea won their sixth and most recent Premier League.
Terry spoke to Sky Sport (via FCInterNews) and shed light on his time with the now Tottenham Hotspur coach, saying that he regrets not working with him for longer.
He said: “I loved the period with Antonio and I am very sorry that we could not work together for more time. When he arrived, I was a starter. Then I got injured and left the starting eleven.”
He then recalled a dialogue he had with the Italian tactician.
I remember a conversation with him, in his office, during which he said to me: ‘I’m sorry to have someone else play’, I replied: ‘Mister, that’s okay. If you need me, I’m here. You and for the club,” he said.
He then disclosed his working relationship with the former Chelsea manager.
“We had a really good relationship. I was lucky to have him as a manager, I loved him. I owe him the best physical condition ever because he banned me from cookies and fizzy drinks. What he is practically doing now at Tottenham. Antonio is a great manager and a beautiful person,” concluded Terry.
Terry ended his formidable stint at the now European champions with 67 goals in 717 appearances during a span of 19 years, appearing last for the Blues on the final day of Conte’s debut season as a manager outside Italy.