John Terry shows his true colours by explaining why he doesn't want Chelsea to win title

John Terry has admitted he wants Liverpool to win the Premier League this season for Diogo Jota. There is arguably no bigger legend in Chelsea's history than Terry.

The Blues' former captain played 717 games as the club's centre back, scoring 67 goals while lifting five Premier League trophies and the Champions League, among a host of other trophies.

Following his retirement and assistant coaching endeavours, the 44-year-old returned to Cobham in July 2023 as an academy mentor and club ambassador, meaning he is still close to the Chelsea first-team players and staff.

It therefore came as a surprise that the former England star did not back Enzo Maresca's side to win the league title this season when the question was put to him on talkSPORT.

Instead, Terry backed Arne Slot's reigning champions, Liverpool. One reason for that was being realistic about Chelsea's current capabilities and not wanting to add pressure to their young squad.

But Terry also showed a heart-warming side by stating that, out of the teams that are likely to emerge as champions, he wants the Reds to lift the trophy come the end of the season to honour the memory of former Liverpool striker Jota, who was tragically killed in a car accident in July.

On Liverpool retaining their title, Terry said: "I think it's theirs to lose, to be honest. I think they have a big motivation with the very sad loss of Diogo Jota as well in the back of their minds.

"For that reason alone, I really hope Liverpool do it. I think they're the strongest side. I think Manchester City have shown vulnerability again this season.

"I'm not sure Chelsea have enough experience within their squad to push them, and I also don't want to put pressure on them. So I think it's Liverpool's to lose and like I said, I wish them well for it."

Liverpool are the only team in the Premier League with a 100 per cent win record this season. Despite not yet showing the same defensive solidity they enjoyed last season, the Reds have managed to maintain that record by scoring late winners against Bournemouth, Newcastle and title rivals Arsenal.

After Arsenal and Spurs' wins on Saturday, Slot's side have the chance to return to the top of the table when they travel to face Burnley on Sunday afternoon. Chelsea, meanwhile, are currently fifth after two wins, a loss and a 2-2 draw at Brentford on Saturday.

When the point of Maresca's men becoming recent Club World Cup champions was raised, Terry said tongue-in-cheek: "We're officially the best team in the world, so we're happy with that at the minute! But we are a young squad, and I think this year, with the experience of pushing the other teams close, we have a chance to be up there.

"We should be because we're Chelsea, and I think any top side or any player going into the season thinking, 'We can't win it,' shouldn't be playing at the top level. Every Chelsea player should believe they can win it. But do I think we can do it? No, I don't, to be honest with you."

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