The 27-year-old was crunched in a horrible collision with goalkeeper Petr Cech during Chelsea’s final-round clash with Bolton Wanderers, sparking fears of fractures to the collarbone and hand.
A dislocated elbow was the official damage, and it was feared Terry would miss the Champions League final against Manchester United this Wednesday.
But the England defender has bounced back, and will lead his team out at Moscow no matter what.
Frustrating
“Maybe I have been rebuilt a few times over the years, it feels like it, but I’m sure any player would shrug anything off for a game like this,” said Terry.
“My first thought after getting injured was that I was going to miss the final. I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career but that has got to be one of the most painful. I thought I’d broken my arm until it settled down a few hours later.
“I’d been telling Petr Cech all season to come out and if he had to go through me and the striker to get the ball, to just do it. That is what he did so I can’t complain.
“I couldn’t play with my kids because of this injury and it was really frustrating, so I called the physio and the masseur round and it was fine after that.
“What was I playing? I shouldn’t be telling you this but I was in the garden on the trampoline. It was a lovely day, though. I hate not being involved, even if it is something trivial or stupid.”
Agony
It was not the first team Terry had been clobbered during a title-decider, as in 2006 he required stitches in his shin after receiving a gash courtesy of Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea defeated United 3-0 that day to secure their second consecutive Premier League crown, and Terry claimed the excitement of victory completely masked any physical pain.
“Even lifting the trophy I didn’t feel hurt but as soon as I got in the dressing room and settled down and the adrenalin went, I was in agony,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything.
“You won’t find a picture of me with the trophy after the game, which is a disappointment. It’s amazing what you can get through, you just get on with it.
“It’s about not letting things get the better of you. That has been my way in life and it has got me where I am today.”
Credit
Few tipped Chelsea to challenge for honours following Jose Mourinho’s departure in Septmeber.
Current Blues boss Avram Grant has been under-fire all season, yet his team pushed United right to the wire in the title race and have the opportunity to claim their first major European trophy – something the Special One never achieved.
“Everyone predicted the wheels would come off but they didn’t and that is credit to this squad of players, Steve Clarke, Avram Grant and Henk Ten Cate,” said Terry. “We’ve had to keep our own spirits high, to stay motivated and be there for each other.
“When the chips have been down we have really pulled together. People outside the club may question it but, from within, you see the squad’s real strength and depth.”
Truths
Many observers declared Chelsea’s season over after their 2-1 defeat to London rivals Tottenham in February’s Carling Cup final.
Terry believes that moment was the watershed of their season, saying: “After that final we sat down and flushed everything out between ourselves. There were a few home truths to be told and we spoke our minds.
“We may have upset each other and what was said will stay in that room but we worked out how to improve. We are together day in, day out, and sometimes it can be a bit niggly. We got it out of the way and that is what you have to do as grown men. Things had to be said because the performance was disappointing.
“It is amazing how we have been talking about players coming into form so late in the season. But with injuries and the African lads being away for the African Nations Cup, that is what is happening to us. Maybe the United boys will be a little bit tired but I don’t think we can count on that.
“When you get out on that pitch in that match, I don’t see how anyone can be tired. Hopefully, with Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard in midfield, we’ll get forward and get goals.”
Experience
Ballack has been something of a revelation since returning from injury this season, recapturing the form that saw him touted among the best midfielders on the planet prior to his 2006 move to Stamford Bridge.
And Terry is thrilled with the Germany captain’s contributions this term, despite an on-field spat with Didier Drogba during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over United at Stamford Bridge.
“It was difficult for Ballack at first with the injuries in his first season,” he said. “He told me that when he came back he wanted to be right and fully fit and that is what he has done.
“What impresses me is he has been there and done it. He has scored a lot of goals, has a lot of experience in major competitions and loves the pressure of big games. When we got that penalty against United, he was the one saying, ‘Give me the ball’. He wanted the responsibility and you thrive alongside people like that.
“I didn’t even mind when he had a row with Didier Drogba about a free-kick. They work on free-kicks in training, both fancy their chances so both want to take it. They can say what they like to each other on the field as long as they shake hands in the dressing room.”
One-Off
The Red Devils are favourites to triumph at the Luzhniki Stadium this week, having won the Premier League the past two years.
But Terry believes Chelsea have the mental edge extra-time, pointing to their FA Cup final victory over United last year.
“The final is a one-off,” he said. “We’ve finished with one win each against United this season.
“We had a good couple of years when we dominated when Mourinho was here. Maybe United have a little edge on us at the moment, which is why they have won the last two titles.
“This will be a rare game, like the FA Cup final in 2007 and, hopefully, we will come out on top again.”
Disappointed
Terry has also revealed his determination to win back the England captaincy, having lost his title with the arrival of Fabio Capello.
United defender Rio Ferdinand is the leading candidate to get the armband, but Terry hopes a good showing in Moscow will convince Capello to revert to the status quo.
“I am disappointed with what has happened,” he said. “I want the armband and my England place back.
“Maybe a performance in this final would go a long way to getting those things back. But Rio has been different class this year and particularly since he was made captain against France.
“We have seen a world-class player at the top of his game and, as a centre-half looking on, I would say he has been awesome. But I want to get out there and prove I am the right man for the England job.”
Author: Mike Maguire
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