In the second part of his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, John Terry reveals that José Mourinho was his favourite coach during his playing career and that he was close to joining Milan.
The former England defender previewed tonight’s Chelsea-Juventus and revealed the influence of Italian players in his career.
Terry praises Chiellini for foul on Saka, predicts Chelsea win against Juve
He also praised Giorgio Chiellini for the famous foul on Bukayo Saka, calling the Juventus defender ‘a legend’ just because he thought about it.
During the same interview, the 40-year-old revealed he came close to joining Milan when he was 33.
“They called me through two different agents and I understood that there was a possibility,” Terry revealed.
“In the end, nothing happened, it would have been a dream to play for Milan, but I was lucky because I spent a life at Chelsea.”
Terry played under many coaches at Stamford Bridge, including the Italians Claudio Ranieri, Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the former defender has a special affection for José Mourinho, his favourite coach during his playing career.
“I remember when I picked up an ankle injury. I was supposed to remain out of action for 20 days, Mou used to come to the medical room speaking to everyone and ignore me. I was the captain and I could not accept it.
“I asked the doctor to have an injection because I wanted to play the following day. He thought I was crazy.
“Mou let me play and then he sent me to Dubai for five days to recover.”
How about Ancelotti and Conte?
“I’ve never seen players give everything for a coach as they did for him, he is a spectacular person and we are still in contact.
“Conte? No jokes, if you are at Tottenham, you are my rival. But I am sure Antonio will make it. You always work hard with him, I’ve never been as fit as I was under him.”
Parla Terry: “Che leggende Bonucci e Chiellini, studiavo da loro. Ma vince il Chelsea” https://t.co/uvLqok5J6z
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) November 23, 2021