Asmir Begovic backs new Chelsea deal for John Terry

Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic says the one-year contract offered to John Terry is a good move by the club.

Former England defender Terry looked all set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, after more than 17 years at the club, but a late decision to offer the 35-year-old an extended deal has been welcomed by his team-mate Begovic.

Terry signed the deal last week, and Begovic told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's very important. John's a legend and always will be, and is a great person to have around.

"He has presence, and we will look forward to having him around the dressing room next season."

The 28-year-old ex-Stoke player was candid in his assessment of Chelsea's season which began badly and only improved towards the end of the campaign.

The Blues had gone into the season as defending champions but, at times before Christmas, hovered just above the relegation zone before finishing in 10th.

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Begovic admitted: "If you don't start a season well, and we didn't in the league, it snowballs from there.

"And then you're always playing catch-up, confidence drops a little bit and you're fighting against things you're not used to fighting against.

"So it was difficult, everything piled up, there was a negative atmosphere. But we need to come good again next year."

Begovic was speaking at Mary Hare school for deaf children in Newbury. His foundation has made a donation to help with the refurbishment of the school swimming pool and changing facilities.