Could John Terry leave Stamford Bridge?
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Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo says that John Terry is not guaranteed a place in his team, leading to questions about his future – and Valencia carefully watching the situation.
The Blues captain has sat out the last four domestic fixtures due to his ban for racist language, but was also not selected for the UEFA Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.
Chelsea insisted this was simply down to a lack of match fitness following the 31-year-old’s four-game domestic ban for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand.
Yet there have been previous occasions where Terry was pitched straight back into a major match after injury or suspension.
However, former Chelsea and Italy midfielder di Matteo insisted Terry’s influence was not on the wane, although he would have to fight for his place.
“I don’t think anybody’s guaranteed a starting place,” said Di Matteo.
“They all have to work and be fighting for their place in the team.
“We’ve got a lot of competition in the team and they’re all internationals. We’ve got an England international playing or a Brazil international or a Serbia international.
“So, all of them are international players that have a lot of quality and they are at a very high level.”
Still, while that sounds reasonable, Valencia have already signalled their interest – at least according to FIFA agent Francois Gallardo.
“Valencia are negotiating, and I am involved in person, with the signing in the winter transfer market,” said Gallardo.
“The offer is on his table. The player is out of contract in June and will not renew there for several reasons at Chelsea and he wants to come to Spain.
“Terry has problems. They are insulting him and he is not taking it anymore. He asked to leave, not us.
“It’s real. This has been going on for 15 days and two meetings have already took place. The deal is already on his table – a year and a half plus one.
“I think he will accept.”
Could John Terry leave Stamford Bridge for La Mestalla after losing his place at Chelsea?
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