Rio praises JT's fine season

Cape Town - Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has praised John Terry's performances for Chelsea this season, despite his issues with the player off the field.

Ferdinand revealed the pair still no longer speak as a result of Terry's racism case with his brother Anton and confirming what he said in his autobiography published last year that he found it "impossible to forgive or forget" the incident.

However, despite their differences off the pitch, Ferdinand admits that his former England centre-back partner has been a key player for Chelsea this season.

"It's no secret that me and John Terry are not the closest of mates," Ferdinand told The Sun.

"But just because we no longer get on does not mean I've lost my admiration for him as a footballer.

"His performances for Chelsea this season have been nothing short of outstanding and I'm not afraid to say it.

"John took the decision to retire from playing for England and had his reasons, but Chelsea are reaping the benefits.

"John is finding, as I did, that the upside of being off the international scene is that your body gets the rest it needs which allows you to keep performing at top level well into your 30s."