EPL 2016-17: Antonio Conte major reason behind John Terry's new deal, says John Obi Mikel

Antonio Conte (L) and John Terry celebrate after the win against Watford

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes new manager Antonio Conte has been a major reason behind John Terry’s new one-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Not long ago, Terry looked on his way out of the club where he even addressed the fans after Chelsea’s final home game last season. However, incoming manager Conte, was determined to keep hold of his skipper which would enable him to understand the dressing room and have a leader at the back.

Mikel revealed the details behind Conte’s decision to keep Terry at Stamford Bridge for another year. Speaking to Goal.com, Mikel said: "I think Conte played a big part in that contract that JT got.

"I think if JT said no, then obviously I don't think the club would have done that, but I think the fans as well got right behind JT and the fans really wanted him to stay.

"He is the leader, he is the captain and the fans really think with JT we have a better chance of winning the trophy again. I think everyone came together the fans, Antonio and the board did a massive job to make sure that John stays.

"I think JT will definitely be in Chelsea forever, so I can always wish him well, even when he retires, I think he will always be involved with this football club."

Terry holding his own under Conte

At first, it was believed that Conte sees Terry as a leader in the dressing room and wanted to groom the younger players, however, the former England captain started the first four Premier League matches for the Blues and looked at home in Chelsea’s back line.

However, an injury to his knee ligaments against Swansea has forced Terry out of the squad in last three matches which the Blues have struggled in. Last week the London side lost their first game against Arsenal in over 4 years while Liverpool also got the better of them in Premier League a fortnight back.

Conte struggling to rely on Luiz

New signing David Luiz was brought on the deadline day as a potential cover for John Terry but the Brazilian has looked out of touch since his arrival and looks far from being the man to lead Chelsea’s defence this season. 

Kurt Zouma is still out with an injury and Gary Cahill looks a nervous figure a the back when Terry is not around. It was Cahill who has been responsible for conceding two soft goals while playing a back pass against Swansea and more recently against Arsenal.

Antonio Conte expects Terry to return this weekend and be the catalyst for a much-needed change in fortunes for Chelsea if they want to challenge for the title or hope to finish in the top-4 of the league table.

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