Antonio Conte expects Chelsea great Terry to play on as title celebrations begin with thrilling win over Watford
Chelsea manager expects departing captain to play beyond the end of the season, despite the former England centre back hinting he may retire
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte expects departing captain John Terry to play beyond the end of the season, despite the former England centre-back hinting he may retire.
Chelsea finish the season at home to Sunderland on Sunday, before tackling Arsenal in the FA Cup final, and while Conte has come to terms with Terry’s decision to leave, he believes he will not hang up his boots.
“I wish for him and his family the best. Chelsea will always be his home because John, first of all, is a great man and a great legend and player for Chelsea – and in future for the team he decides to play for.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to see him lift the (Premier League) cup and I think all the players want to see this. This is the right final for John.
Terry, making his 716th Chelsea appearance, put his side ahead in the 22nd minute at Stamford Bridge, but it was from the 36-year-old’s loose header that Etienne Capoue equalised two minutes later.
Goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Michy Batshuayi restored and then extended Chelsea’s lead, only for Watford to reply through Daryl Janmaat and substitute Stefano Okaka.
But Fabregas came off the bench to sweep in Willian’s pass and keep Chelsea on course to become the first team to win 30 games in a 38-game season in England’s top division.
“The FA Cup final, you don’t play that on Saturday. You start to play the final 10 days before,” Conte explained.
“For this reason, in my head I have a plan to try to arrive to play the final in the best condition, in the best situation for my players.
“At this moment I have 13 or 14 players and they deserve to play the FA Cup, and many players in good form.
“I have to take my time in these 12 days to make the decision. But, for sure, I have to pick the players who, for me, are in better form.”
Watford finished the game with 10 men after centre back Sebastian Prodl received a pair of late yellow cards for untidy challenges on Batshuayi and Pedro.
“They’re friends, they’re always together. Nobody told me anything,” said the Italian, whose side remain 16th in the table.
“I want players with character who talk to teach other on the pitch. Tomorrow I will investigate, but I don’t think it was anything.”
Conte, meanwhile, feigned offence after being told that striker Diego Costa, who was an unused substitute, had visited the buffet in the media room at half-time.
“In this case I’m very angry with him,” Conte smiled.
“He must think to give me a bit of chocolate cake to share. I was suffering during the game. To eat a bit of cake or chocolate, that would be good.
“Next time I’ll tell him to think of me as well and share.”