New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that John Terry is to remain at Stamford Bridge amid continued speculation over a move to Manchester City. The Italian, holding his first press conference, also confirmed the Blues had signed Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.

"John Terry is a symbol of this team," Ancelotti said. "He will be captain next season. He said he wants to stay forever and we want to keep him forever. Now there is a question of Manchester City, but for Terry (there is) no price.

Terry will be at Chelsea forever. He said he wants to stay. I like to have a captain like Terry, he is very close to (Paulo) Maldini for professionalism.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti on John Terry

"Terry will be at Chelsea forever. He said he wants to stay, there is no problem for him for us, the story continues - Chelsea and Terry. I like to have a captain like Terry, he is very close to (Paulo) Maldini for professionalism, for quality and he will be the best captain for Chelsea.

"I spoke with Terry a month ago when I came to the club and he said welcome. And after he went on holiday. I will speak with him because he is the captain and I want a good relationship with the captain."

When asked if the club would offer Terry a new, improved contract, he added: "It's not my problem."

Ins and outs
Ancelotti also confirmed the arrivals of Daniel Sturridge, from Manchester City, and Zhirkov. As for the Russia international's role, the former AC Milan coach said: "Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between."

However, Ancelotti refused to confirm Deco and Ricardo Carvalho would be leaving west London, despite the pair being heavily linked with Inter Milan.

"Carvalho and Deco are Chelsea players," he explained. "If in the future a player wants to go they have to speak with the club and we take the right decision for the player and for us."