Conte: John Terry will remain Chelsea captain

Antonio Conte has plenty of changes to make if he hopes to guide Chelsea back to the summit of the Premier League in his first season, but the fiery bench boss will be keeping at least one element of the Blues unchanged.

During his introductory press conference on Thursday, the Italian was adamant that John Terry will retain his role as captain heading into the 2016-17 campaign.

Terry, 35, was at the centre of a protracted contract saga last season, claiming that he would not return before ultimately inking a new one-year deal at Stamford Bridge. At the time, the English defender admitted that he would need to accept a "different role" with the club.

Not so, according to Conte.

"John Terry signed a contract as a player, not as a different role," he said.

"He's a player with a great personality a great charisma. I like to speak with him because I know that he knows the club, has the right spirit to play in the club, and for me is an important player, like the other players."

"John Terry is the captain of Chelsea when he plays, when he doesn't play," he said. "He is the captain of Chelsea always. He is a great player with a great personality and charisma. He knows the club."

Conte also admitted that he played an important role in convincing Terry to remain with the Blues last season.

"I'm very happy. I spoke with him at different times and for me it was the most important thing that John when he signed was very, very happy."