Cape Town - John Terry has opened up about the daily pain treatments he underwent during Chelsea’s triumphant 2014/15 season under Jose Mourinho, a sacrifice he gladly made for his club.
The newly crowned Premier League champions’ long-serving captain spoke to the club’s official website about the personal challenges he faced under Mourinho, saying that the notoriously demanding manager was ‘desperate’ not to lose the services of his star defender to injury.
"I remember in Jose Mourinho's years he was desperate for me to play or train when I had a broken toe and a broken bone in my foot," the 36-year old said.
"I had to have two injections in my toe every day for a whole year, one before training and sometimes the doctor would have to come out and re-inject me because it wore off in training if it was a longer session than an hour.
"It was just a given for me. I played through the pain barrier numerous times. In the 2015 Premier League-winning season when I played every minute of every game, you just find a way."
Despite the discomfort of the treatment, the Blues’ third most-capped player was quick to point out that the sacrifice was justified, given his excellent relationship with the club.
"I would do it again tomorrow because it sounds crazy but you would give your life for the football club when they have given you so much over the years," he said.
Terry, a product of the Chelsea youth system, was promoted to the club’s first team in 1998 and made a total of 717 appearances in all competitions, nine of which took place in his final season.
Whether the player intends to retire or move on to another club remains to be seen. However, in recent interview, Terry did indicate that he was hesitant to rush into a decision, saying that he fears making one that he would regret later in life.