• John Terry has made 661 appearances for Chelsea in an illustrious career
• 34-year-old has won 13 major honours with the Blues during his 17 years
• Terry’s existing deal was set to expire at the end of this season

Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new contract worth about £150,000 per week until the end of the 2015-16 campaign, the Premier League leaders have announced.

The centre back has made 661 appearances for the Blues since making his debut in 1998 – scoring a club record 63 goals for a defender.

In his 17-year professional career at Stamford Bridge, the 34-year-old has won 13 major honours – with his most recent coming in their 2-0 Capital One Cup final triumph over Tottenham earlier this month.

Chelsea announced their skipper’s new deal on Thursday, three weeks after manager Jose Mourinho guaranteed Terry would be at Stamford Bridge next term.

‘This new contract is not to say “thank you very much”; it is because John continues to perform. He is a top defender,’ Mourinho told the club’s official website.

‘I am happy that he completely deserves this new contract after a season where he has already played 40 matches.’

The former England international’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.

‘I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea,’ Terry added.

‘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 joined Chelsea as a schoolboy in 1995 and his total of 661 appearances for the club at present is the the third highest for the Londoners behind Ron Harris (795) and Peter Bonetti (729).

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

Chelsea stalwarts 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 Stamford Bridge.

And the rejuvenation under the Portuguese has continued this season, where he remains one of Chelsea’s most consistent and influential players, helping Mourinho’s team establish a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

As well an impressive list of club honours, the 34-year-old has also celebrated major indiviual awards too.

In 2005, he was voted the PFA Player of the Year and has also appeared in five consecutive FIFPro World XI teams.

In addition he has won the Chelsea Player of the Year award twice and will forever go down in the west London’s outfit folklore for having captained the club in the most successful period in their 110-year history – which includes three league titles and the 2011-12 Champions League triumph.

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Source: dailymail.co.uk

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