Terry still nursing Moscow wounds
CHELSEA vs PORTSMOUTH
Chelsea captain admits double glory will not ease the lingering pain of Champions League defeat
JOHN TERRY insists that not even becoming the first Chelsea captain to win the double can make up for the heartache he will always feel at losing in the final of the Champions League.
Terry has shrugged off a foot injury scare and will lead the Blues out at Wembley tomorrow seeking to make history by adding an FA Cup triumph to the Premier League glory sealed last weekend.
But the 29-year-old is still haunted by defeat to Manchester United two years ago, in which his missed penalty cost Chelsea the shoot-out and European club football’s most prestigious prize.
“Nothing will ever make up for Moscow unless we go and win the Champions League in my lifetime. That’s a fact,” said Terry.
“But we have got a chance to go down in the club’s history, the double has never been done before at this club and we have a great chance to do it.”
Terry sparked fears he could miss the clash with Portsmouth after colliding with Daniel Sturridge in training on Wednesday.
But by yesterday he was feeling no ill-effects and was able to declare himself fully fit for his last club match before joining the England squad.
“I was a bit scared, I must say,” he added. “I thought it was quite bad initially. But once I had the scan, it was just bruising and on Thursday there was no problem at all.”
Chelsea, who thrashed Wigan 8-0 top clinch the league title on Sunday, are overwhelming favourites to beat relegated Pompey, but manager Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to take the financial stricken south coast club lightly.
“We have to have respect for Portsmouth,” he said. “It is an opportunity for them to save the season. We have to play against players with strong motivation.”
DOUBLE WINNERS | THE ELITE
1889 – Preston North End
1897 – Aston Villa
1961 – Tottenham
1971 – Arsenal
1986 – Liverpool
1994 – Manchester United
1996 – Manchester United
1998 – Arsenal
1999 – Manchester United
2002 – Arsenal