I'm playing the best football of my career, claims in-form John Terry

Simon Johnson
20 Oct 2009

John Terry believes he is in the best form of his career and is working over-time to ensure he secures success for both club and country this season.

The Chelsea defence has come under a lot of scrutiny over the last few weeks following defeats at Wigan and Aston Villa, but Terry is playing as well as ever and the 28-year-old knows that with a World Cup coming at the end of season, football's biggest prizes, both domestic and international, could lie in wait.

He said: "I feel I'm in really good form and the best of my career. It's early days and I've started well for England and Chelsea and I'm motivated knowing what's at stake this season."

The England captain admits he has stepped up his training regime on and off the pitch to help take his game on to another level and to boost his chances of fulfilling his lofty ambitions.

"I want to make sure I'm 100 per cent fit and playing at a high level. I'm doing my shift in the gym, working hard after training on the pitch.

"I normally give it my all anyway, but it's off the pitch and the way I'm looking after my body with what I'm eating. It's really important for me. It's something I've always done but even more so now."

Terry feels the national team will reap the rewards if Chelsea have a successful season and go on to win some major silverware this term.

England are likely to have four Chelsea players in Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole and Terry in the World Cup squad to play in South Africa, and Terry added: "Everyone knows about my desire to win the Champions League but the World Cup is there obviously, too.

"If I can have a good year with Chelsea as well and put myself in the final of the Champions League, FA Cup and challenge for the Premier League, it could be really important.

"We have a good core of Chelsea players in the England team and if we win at club level, we can take that confidence in to the World Cup and that will surely help our chances, especially with that carrot in front of us all. That's something we all want, but there are still many games to play before then.

"A lot of people are saying that both the Premier League and Champions League will be more open this year. But what makes these competitions so tough are the teams just below the 'favourites', who can get good results off anyone."

Chelsea will be hoping to avoid any mistakes at home against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, where victory will put the club on the verge of qualifying for the knock-out phase.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have already beaten Porto and Apoel Nicosia and Terry is determined to carry on their momentum.

He added: "Getting good results early in the qualifying campaign makes life so much easier if you're targeting winning the group."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti put his players through a lengthy session practising defending set pieces in training yesterday. Chelsea conceded three goals from corner kicks in their defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa and the Italian is desperate to fix the problems.

Brazil defender Alex, who has been out all season with a groin problem, improved his chances of a swift return to the first team following an impressive 45-minute display in the reserves 4-1 victory over West Ham last night.

Chelsea have also been boosted by the return of midfielders Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel to training after ankle injuries, but right back Jose Bosingwa is doubtful after having a scan on the knee injury he suffered at Aston Villa last night.