Mourinho says new deal for Terry 'a formality'

LONDON - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has declared that a new contract for long-serving captain John Terry will be "a formality", according to British newspaper reports on Sunday.

Terry's contract is due to expire in June, but the 34-year-old has been in fine form for the Premier League leaders this season and has scored twice in his last two games.

"It's a formality," said Mourinho of contract talks with the former England captain, who made his Chelsea debut in October 1998.

"There are no doubts that he is going to get another contract. I know that, he knows that. We in the club, in the board, we know that and I think also you have to feel that.

"Without us confirming anything, you have to feel that. He's a very important player in the team so the next contract sooner or later will come."