John Terry opens up about his bond with Italian players and coaches and the influence of Claudio Ranieri, Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Di Matteo, who ‘changed Chelsea’s culture.’
The legendary English defender has released an exclusive interview with Sky Sport Italia, where he discusses the influence of Italian players and coaches on his career and the history of Chelsea.
“I owe everything to Claudio Ranieri. Everyone loves his human qualities. He immediately believed in me,” the ex-defender said.
“Vialli, Zola and Di Matteo changed the club’s culture. Carlo Ancelotti has been one of the most receptive coaches I’ve ever had and I loved working under Antonio Conte. He got me in shape, no carbonated drinks and ketchup.”
Terry made his senior Chelsea debut under Vialli in 1998 when he was only 18 years old. He played his first Champions League match with the Blues five years later, with Ranieri on the bench. The Italian tactician has been the first manager of the Roman Abramovich era. Terry also worked under José Mourinho, winning several trophies with the Portuguese tactician in charge.
“There are many things that still make me want to play and throw myself into the fire for Mourinho,” Terry said about the current Roma boss.
Terry retired in 2018 after spending almost his entire playing career at Chelsea. He won 18 trophies at Stamford Bridge, including one Champions League and five Premier League titles. The full interview will be aired by Sky Sport Italia tonight.
My Story, John Terry si racconta in esclusiva a Sky Sport
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STASERA ALLE 20.15 SU SKY SPORT FOOTBALL
➖#SkySport #JohnTerry #Terry https://t.co/nXM7isxOuD— skysport (@SkySport) April 1, 2022
it seems strange very strange for an English man to praise Italian football qualities.