Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says legendary former captain John Terry is always welcome back at Stamford Bridge having “written history at the club”.
Terry, who joined Aston Villa in the summer after making 713 appearances in 19 years as a first-team player, came to visit earlier this week, fuelling talk of a return in a coaching capacity.
But Conte said the ex-England skipper was simply renewing acquaintances with old friends.
“For John, Chelsea is his home and he can come when he wants,” Conte said at a press conference on Friday.
“It is always a pleasure to see him and to have a chat. It is right also for the players to see again the old captain.
“The doors are always open for him, for players that write the history of this club.”
Conte, who had to make the tough decision of barely playing Terry in the second half of the title-winning season of 2016-17, said the defender still made a huge contribution.
“John Terry’s role last season was incredible,” Conte explained. “He didn’t play a lot of games but despite this his commitment was incredible. He gave me a lot in the changing room.
“We are talking about a player with great experience. It was a big loss. I tried to keep him for another season but he wanted to play and I understood this. I wish him the best for him and his family.”