Antonio
Conte says he understands and respects John Terry’s decision to leave
Chelsea but insists the defender will be a "serious loss" to the club.
The Blues and the 36-year-old skipper both announced on Monday that he will
leave Stamford Bridge after 22 years when his contract expires in the
summer.
Terry has won 14 major trophies since making his debut in 1998 but has
struggled for game-time this season, with Conte preferring to go with Cesar
Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz in a three at the back, but the
Italian says his departure will hurt the team.
"I am not surprised about this [the reaction]. I am repeating that John, for
me in this first season, is very important. He is helping me on and off the
pitch," Conte said.
"He is a great captain, the problem is that John wants to play regularly and
for this reason we have to respect his decision. I was a footballer and when
you arrive at this point of your career, and your body tells you to continue
it is right to.
"We have to respect his decision. If you ask me if next season it is a
serious loss...yes, I think so. I am seeing what John is doing this season
in the changing room. We are building a foundation and he is important to
this."
Chelsea play Tottenham at Wembley in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final but Conte
could be without Cahill after revealing that the defender was treated this
week for a small stone in his kidney.
The 31-year-old was admitted to hospital on Tuesday after training and
released on Thursday following treatment and tests but the Blues boss says
it is "very difficult" for Cahill to be ready for the cup tie.
"He arrived at the training ground with a bit of fever," Conte said. "Our
doctor preferred to bring him to the hospital and to check his condition.
Not a serious problem, but now Gary is getting better and is improving a
lot.
"If you ask me for tomorrow, my answer is it is very difficult. This period
is not a lucky period for us."
Asked whether Terry could come back into the side to replace Cahill, Conte
added: "This is a semi-final and in this season we try to have in every
position two options - the player that usually players and another.
"When John plays it is more central, but that is David Luiz. I have to think
about the right solution."
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