John Terry will continue in his role as captain under Antonio Conte this season after signing a new deal with the club in May.
The news was confirmed today by Conte in his first press conference as Blues boss and he said that having someone with such experience would only benefit the team.
"John Terry signed a new contract as a player, not in a different role," he told reporters. "He is the captain of this team and a great player with a great personality. I want to speak to him because he knows the club and the spirit.
"When he plays he is the captain, when he doesn't play he is the captain. Always.
"John Terry is an important player for me, the club and the fans. He signed a new contract in May and we took the decision together. We were very pleased and very happy he signed a new deal. I spoke to him at different times and he was very happy to sign."
Antonio Conte was in good form as he appeared in front of the media this afternoon. Image: Steve Paston / PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Italian manager then said that he will attempt to restore their Champions League status, a competition in which he feel the London clubs "belongs".
"Last season in 10th was a bad season, but we must think to the present. Chelsea belongs in the Champions League and we must stay there.
"The pressure for me is not important, I was born with pressure. It's normal. You must play to win, to win the title, to reach your targets. This League is difficult and this year won't be east but this situation excites me. We must work every day, every week, because the fans need to find the team ready to fight.
"The coach is a tailor who must make best dress for team. Three at the back, four at the back, it is not important.
"We have started to work on different aspects and every manager has their own idea of football. I want to transfer my idea, my methods. This is a great challenge and is the right moment for me to arrive in England. I like this, I like the challenge and to prove myself."
The Premier League this season has some of the highest calibre managers in world football and Conte says he is honoured to be put in the same bracket as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
"It is fantastic. There are many players with great talent in the league but there are good managers, too. It is a great challenge but it is not a challenge between managers - it is between great teams and players.
"I don't know if it is a good thing but I have a great passion for my team and players. I like to stay with my players in training - to play with them, to lose with them. I have great passion and I want to transfer that to my players and fans.
"I suffer during the game, I want my players and fans to see this because we work hard during the week and I am not happy when we don't reach our target."
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