Conte explains why Terry visited Chelsea training

Matt Stead

Antonio Conte has explained why John Terry visited Chelsea training earlier this week.

Former Chelsea captain Terry returned to the club’s Cobham Training Centre on Thursday, greeting his former teammates and manager.

Terry left the club in the summer to join Aston Villa on a free transfer, and has played a key part as they look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Conte says the club legend “can come here when he wants”.

“I think, for John, Chelsea is his home,” he said. “He can come here when he wants. The doors are always open for him and the players who wrote the history of this club.

“It’s always a pleasure to see him and have a chat. It’s right, also, for the players to see again their old captain.

“For sure, for sure, John Terry’s role last season was incredible. He didn’t play a lot of games but, despite this, his commitment is incredible and he helped me a lot in the changing room. Also to use the right work in the right moment.

“For sure, John Terry… we are talking about a player with great experience.

“For sure, for sure, for us it was a big loss. A big loss. I tried to keep him for another season, but he wanted to play. He wanted to play and I understood this. I wish to him the best for him and his family.”