Monday 4 May 2015 10:42, UK
John Terry appeared to take a swipe at former boss Rafa Benitez after Chelsea secured the Premier League title on Sunday.
The club captain has played every minute of every match during this season's Premier League campaign, which was sealed following a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky Sports on the pitch after the match, Terry had words for Benitez who dropped the centre-half during his tenure two years ago, saying he wasn’t able to play two games in a week.
He said: “One person said I couldn’t play twice in a week and he knows who he is.
"I’ve not only proved him wrong but everyone wrong – I’m still fighting, I’m still in the side, I’m feeling great. More importantly I’ve got great players and great management around me.”
Terry added that winning his fourth Premier League title at Stamford Bridge in front of the Chelsea fans was “what he lived for”.
He insisted the club were worthy winners and had worked especially hard to be crowned champions this year, even if Palace did run them close in the latter stages of Sunday's game.
He said: “Unbelievable – we’ve worked so hard this year to get here. To get over the line today was a tough match, we were a little bit nervous, but we got over the line and we’re champions.
“They did (make it nervy for us), especially late on. Listen, they are a good side since Alan Pardew has gone there as well – they made it difficult. Thankfully Eden got the penalty and we’ve won the game.
“This is what I live for. I’ve ball-boyed, I’ve mascotted, I’ve painted the stadium, I’ve done everything. It’s been five years since we won it and it’s really hurt.”
Asked to compare his four Premier League triumphs, Terry said this one was extra special as he and his team-mates have had to wait five years since they lifted the trophy.
He said: “The first one was very special obviously, but when you go four or five years without winning it and you see teams and you’ve grafted all year, game after game, away trips, away from the family and you get nothing for it, it really hurts so were going to enjoy today.”
Terry also took time to offer his condolences to Rio Ferdinand and his family after his wife Rebecca passed away following a short battle with cancer.
He added: “I’d just like to, on behalf of myself and Chelsea Football Club, send our condolences to Rio Ferdinand and his family after the terrible news yesterday.”
