No chance of United improving, insists Chelsea captain Terry

John Terry has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson and declared it is , and not , who have reached a plateau.

Ferguson declared that Chelsea were both 'old' and incapable of improving. But Terry points not only to the arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari as manager, and the stability he has brought, as well as the arrival of players like Deco and Jose Bosingwa.

'I think he (Ferguson) realises we weren't too far away from them when they were at the very top of their game last season,' said the Chelsea captain.

'I don't think they've got another level to go to. They've had a lot of players in their team who have hit the peak of their form in the last two years. Rio's been awesome in the last two years. Ronaldo's been unbelievable – I don't think we'll ever see that again.

'Rooney, Tevez, Giggs at his age – they've all been fantastic. With the injuries and stuff at our place, we as players can all raise the bar a little bit and, with it being that close with us missing out by two points on the Premiership and in the Champions League, I think they know that, every year, we're going to give them a right good run for their money.

'I think we can close the gap on them. The manager's made some great signings.'

Yesterday Terry also made an emotional plea to Fabio Capello to once again be made England captain.

Capello will make his announcement on Tuesday and while Rio Ferdinand is the favourite, Terry said: 'Of course I want the England captaincy. I'd be mad to sit here and say no.

'I've been awfully lucky to get the armband in the past and that's something that will never leave me, those memories will stay with me forever. I'm sure whoever Mr Capello announces as the captain will have the best day of his life next week.

'But if it's not me I'll walk up to the person, shake their hand and wish them well and hopefully England can move from that point.'