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John Terry insists he is fully focussed on helping new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti win the Premier League next season after the club turned down a £30million bid for his services from Manchester City.
It is the second time Chelsea have rejected an enquiry for the England captain from City, who made the proposal during talks over the transfer of their striker Daniel Sturridge to Stamford Bridge.
A club statement said: "It was made clear to City, for the second time following an approach last season, that we would not entertain any conversation on the subject.
"We would like to make clear, and will not do so again, that John is not for sale."
Terry says he is committed to Chelsea's cause and can't wait to work with Ancelotti, who will take his first training session on Monday.
The Italian may be Chelsea's fifth manager in the space of two years but the England captain is confident his arrival will herald a period of sustained success.
He said: "Next season we need to make sure we start a lot better than we did last year and really push for the Premier League because I'd love to win that trophy again, as well as being back in the mix for the Champions League.
"It is important that we realise Ancelotti is going to be here for a good few years, he is going to bring in his own players, staff and training methods. We need to adapt to that and move Chelsea in the right direction.
"The players have coped with it very well [having so many managers]. It's important that we get a bit of stability under Ancelotti for two or three years. We must get a settled team and a settled manager and really build and move things in the right direction."
Terry has revealed that Ancelotti has yet to confirm he will remain as the club's captain next season and is determined to make a good impression.
He added: "I have to prove myself, probably more so than anyone else. I want to make sure first and foremost that I am in the team.
"I want to be the captain of Chelsea next year, but the manager is yet to make those decisions.
"These are the things that go through your mind as a player. It does not matter who you are - when a manager comes into the football club he can have different ideas.
"You have seen in the England team with Michael Owen when people are out of favour, they do not get a look in."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has signed a four-year contract after joining from Middlesbrough on a free transfer, while another of Chelsea's back-ups to Petr Cech, Hilario, has agreed a new two-year deal.
Turnbull, 24, was out of contract at the Riverside after making 29 appearances for Gareth Southgate's side. Chelsea are expected to confirm two other signings before Ancelotti holds his first press conference as Blues boss on Monday - Sturridge from City and CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov.
Reader views (6)
He will go to city. Money Talks, and city have plenty.
- Frank Rizzo, M26, 05/07/2009 11:58
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It's remarkable how many professional writers - and the subs who check their work - think their are two 'S's in focused, isn't it?
- Paul, London, UK, 03/07/2009 14:47
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The detractors on here clearly know better than the likes of Capello, Mourinho, etc. What would Managers with their track records know, eh ?
- Charlie, Nr. Crackpot, North Yorkshire, 03/07/2009 13:32
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Guess he would say the same for anyone who can continue to pay the unreal wages these actors receive?
- Mike, London England, 03/07/2009 11:16
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Any slow ageing centre-back pocketing 100k+ a week would make the same decision. Under the spotlight with a new team, failings would show up quickly.
- Doug Watt, london e14, 03/07/2009 11:02
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Didn't he make a similar statement when Scolari joined????
- Paxton, N17, 03/07/2009 09:59
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