John Terry: "Mourinho will always be 'The Special One'"

Chelsea club captain John Terry has admitted that former manager Jose Mourinho will always be The Special One at the club.

Since leaving Chelsea, Jose Mourinho led Inter to a treble and is currently managing Real Madrid. But a return to Stamford Bridge looks imminent after Real’s exit from the semifinals of Champions League.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Terry added that he never lost contact with the Portuguese manager since his unceremonious departure from the Bridge in the summer of 2007. “We keep in touch by text message, wishing each other luck. He always looks out for our results, and remains interested in all that happens at the club. He also keeps in touch with Lampard and other players.”

Following the Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, Mourinho has indicated that he will be leaving Real at the end of the season. The Special One however remained coy on naming his next club but speculations are rife that he will take over Chelsea from interim manager Rafael Benitez. Terry added:”When I heard him say that I sent him a message asking which team he was talking about. His answer was ‘them all’. And you must believe the things he says. With his quality as a manager he could really go to whatever club he wants.

“Mourinho and the fans have a great relationship because with him we won the Premier League and some other trophies. It is important, and for me too, to show respect to Real Madrid because he has a contract there. For me personally it is difficult to go into this subject, but the fans have shown clearly that he is a man that they love, above all for what he won, and for pushing the club in a direction it had never gone in before. He is still the Special One.”

Mourinho led Chelsea to title victories in 2004/05 and 2005/06 season and also won the FA Cup in 2006/07 before leaving in September 2007 following reports of a feud with owner Roman Abramovich. Terry believes the duo have solved all their issues. That was when he left, now they get on very well. Whatever happens, he still has a contract at Madrid and we must respect any decision that is made. The only thing I can say is that he is a great manager, and I enjoyed myself a lot with him.”