Terry in line for captain's job

14 April 2012

John Terry has emerged as the favourite among the Chelsea players to take over from Marcel Desailly as captain.

The 35-year-old French World Cup winner left Chelsea today and is considering his future, with Marseille thought to be interested in his services.

Terry has captained the side in Desailly's absence over the past two seasons and goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini believes he has the skills to take over on a full-time basis.

Cudicini said: "It has to be John Terry. We have bought lots of expensive players but John is the most important player at the club.

"When I came here in 1999 he was just a kid in the reserves but within two years he was one of the most important players in the first team. He is one of the best defenders in England."

Cudicini also paid tribute to the departing Desailly who led Chelsea to three trophies since joining from AC Milan in 1998. Cudicini said: "Marcel has been a great player for Chelsea, a good captain brings a lot of experience. He has helped John Terry and William Gallas and it's a pity he's leaving, but he has the experience to decide when to finish."

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho today pledged to entertain Chelsea fans and owner Roman Abramovich by bringing attacking football back to Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich wants Chelsea to fuse the attacking virtues of Real Madrid with the defensive prowess of top Italian clubs and Mourinho believes he is up to the challenge.

"I don't want to teach a team to forget that football must be attractive and that people must enjoy your way of football," said the new head coach. "I never teach a team to play like this. I do not like to bring on extra defenders. I think we can criticise teams with really big players who are not playing well. But if one day I am winning 1-0 and the other team is playing better than me and I recognise that, if I have to win 1-0 I will. I think Mr Abramovich prefers to win 1-0 than to lose 5-4."

Chelsea's attacking edge will be sharpened by the arrival of PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman, who passed a medical at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

The clubs have agreed a £5million fee for the Serbia international, who will sign a four-year contract after he has received a work permit.

Former Porto coach Mourinho said: "Kezman scores a lot of goals. He is multifunctional and adapts to different roles in the attacking positions."

Chelsea have agreed terms with Benfica's 23-year-old midfielder Tiago Mendes.

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Carlo Cudicini

Chelsea F.c.

David Jones (Footballer)

Marseille

Terry in line for captain's job

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