hi INDiA Copyright 2022-2050
London, May 30: Chelsea skipper John Terry has backed newly-appointed Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to succeed at the former English Premier League (EPL) champions, adding that the Portuguese is the "best manager" he has ever played under.
Terry recently signed a one-year extension with Chelsea and will have to prepare to face Mourinho next season.
"It's fantastic news for Manchester United," Terry was quoted as saying by Skysports on Sunday.
"I'm sure that United's fans and players will be delighted with that because, as I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under. It was unfortunate the way it ended at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's also a great man. He'll be great for Manchester United, I'm sure."
Terry said he was looking forward to seeing former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, who is now assistant coach at the club, combine with Mourinho.
"The weather is slightly different maybe…but it's a fantastic place to be and I'm sure he'll settle in well with the likes of Ryan Giggs — hopefully he'll stay and support him as well," Terry said.
The 35-year-old admitted that it will be awkward for him to play against Mourinho, but expects a strong welcome for the former Chelsea manager when he returns to Stamford Bridge.
"It'll feel very different. I've come up against Jose for various teams before so it will be interesting," Terry said.
"He'll get a great reception when he comes back to Stamford Bridge, for sure. First and foremost we have to look at ourselves this year and fight for the title."
Chelsea too will have a new manager in the form of current Italy coach Antonio Conte next season, and Terry said he is looking forward to working with the former Juventus star.
"I'm looking forward to working under the new manager as well, it's exciting times for all of us and hopefully we can improve on what was a disappointing season this year," he said.
"At a big club like Chelsea, like all the other big clubs, you want to win trophies and be in competitions right until the last minute. This season we weren't, so we have to learn from that and hopefully come back and be in the fight for a lot of trophies this year."