"It's never been about a new deal"

John Terry has claimed that the recent uncertainty over his future was not because he was looking for a new contract.

The England defender yesterday ended speculation over his future by releasing a statement in which he made it clear he wanted to remain at Chelsea in favour of a move to big-spending Manchester City.

Now Terry has revealed his talks with club owner Roman Abramovich were not about getting a new deal but to get assurances over the futures of his team-mates.

Terry told Sky Sports News: "It's never been about a new deal, we've never spoken about a new contact over the past five weeks.

"It's never been about a new deal for John Terry. I've got three years left on my contract.

"I've been at Chelsea 14 years now and I aim to finish my career here."

Terry said he was more concerned about keeping the current team together, holding on to players like England team-mate Frank Lampard.

"I want these kind of players around me and I want these kind of players at Chelsea Football Club."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti welcomed Terry's announcement as good news.

He said:" The club and the fans are happy.

"I said John Terry had to stay."