Chelsea have denied reports that John Terry has been told he will not be retained as a player at the end of the season.
The Times reported on Tuesday that Terry, who recently turned 36, held talks with the club and was told they would seek to find a new role for him when his contract expires in the summer.
However, a Chelsea spokesman said no such conversation has taken place and that Terry’s future will not be decided until later in the season.
Terry has not started a league match for two months but Blues boss Antonio Conte has insisted the former England skipper still has an important role to play.
“John is our captain and I think he was doing a great job when he played and now he’s not playing he is helping me a lot in the changing room to send the right message to the players,” Conte said.
“John loves this club and I think it’s important to be focused at the moment, not think for the future.”
The Italian added: “I am pleased to know him not only as a player but as a man. He is very important for us whether he plays or doesn’t play and he remains our captain.
“It is important for me to send the right message and the right spirit in the dressing room.”
Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new contract, which will keep him at Chelsea until 2020.
The versatile Spanish defender has been a regular since joining from Marseille in the summer of 2012 and is set to make his 200th Blues appearance in Wednesday’s Premier League match away against Sunderland.
The 27-year-old came into the side as a right-back but then switched to left-back and has been a key part of the back three which has helped Chelsea climb to the top of the league this season.
Azpilicueta told the club website: “Since I arrived here my target was to progress as a player and win trophies.
“This new contract gives me the chance to continue my relationship with the club, that’s what I wanted and obviously I’m really happy here.
“We’ve had some really good moments so far this season. From day one, we started working very hard. We have a new manager with new ideas and I’m really happy to be working with him.
“Obviously we can still improve but the long-term aim for us is to win trophies, that is what we all want, the players, manager and fans.”
This post was last modified on 14/12/2016