These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Crespo on Mourinho’s influence as a manager

Hernan Crespo has spoken about the lessons he learned about football management while playing under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Sky Sports reports.

The Argentinian played for the Blues when we won the Premier League in 2005/06 but started in only 20 league games that season as he shared responsibilities as the main striker with Didier Drogba.

Now a manager himself at Argentinian top-flight side Defensa y Justicia, the 44-year-old paid tribute to the Portuguese for demonstrating what it takes to succeed in coaching at the top level.

‘Jose showed me the way to be a top manager, it's not only about picking the first XI,’ Crespo said.

‘It's understanding everything, 360 degrees, in terms of communication with journalists, governance, the players, the coaches. You are in the middle of all these groups.’

While he only played in England for two seasons, Crespo admitted he would relish the opportunity to return to the country as a manager.

‘The Premier League is better than before, it grows and grows,’ he added. ‘Why not in the future? I want to come back to work there, I would like to be part of the Championship or Premier League as a coach.’

JT’s family drama on signing day

John Terry has revealed his father did not want him to join Chelsea as a schoolboy and refused to go on the pitch with him at Stamford Bridge to sign the forms when he was 14, Goal.com reports.

Although his family supported Manchester United, JT opted to join the Blues despite strong interest from United and Arsenal.

The decision did not sit well with his father, who tried to convince the youngster to change his mind as he was about to go out to sign the contract on the pitch before a first-team match.

‘The players are coming off the pitch and I’m waiting in the tunnel, Glenn Hoddle goes past and my dad’s going, “You’re not signing for this football club, we should sign for Manchester United”,’ he said on the Footballer’s Guide to Football podcast.

‘Me being me at the time I’m going, “I’m 100 per cent I’m signing here, if you don’t come out with me, I’m going out to sign”.

‘You needed a parent, so my mum said she would come and sign it with me, my dad’s going mad at my mum, saying “No you won’t”.

‘A night that was probably supposed to be one of the best nights of my life turned out to be a tough one for a young 14-year-old.’

JT wouldn’t regret his decision as he went on to play 717 games for the club.

‘I just knew and loved Chelsea from the moment I walked in and never looked back,’ he said.

‘I still love the club and look out for every result now.’

Expert sounds warning on Gerson

South American football expert Tim Vickery has questioned reports of interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in Brazilian midfielder Gerson, saying the suggested asking price for the Flamengo player could be too high, the Sun reports.

While the 23-year-old played a big role in Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores victory last year, Vickery is unsure if he would be able to have a similar impact in Europe after he failed to establish himself at Roma earlier in his career.

‘Gerson was an important part of the Flamengo side that in the second half of last year played such swashbuckling football on the way to the Brazilian and South American titles, and gave Liverpool a game in the final of the Club World Cup,’ said Vickery.

‘But the suggested asking price is around £31 million. That is 25 more than he cost Flamengo a year ago when they signed him, bringing him back from Italy, where after three seasons spent with Roma and on loan with Fiorentina he had struggled to make an impact.

‘It would seem a lot of money for a player who has already had problems adapting to the extra pace of the European game – especially with football having to adapt to the post-pandemic reality.

‘And even if such a big money bid is placed on the table, other questions emerge. What does the player really want?

‘If his desire is to shine in top level European football, then it would be unwise to turn down such an offer. Gerson is already 23 – and these days that age has become something of a cut-off point.

‘The current trend is for European clubs to South American teenagers. Those in their mid-20s are seen as a bigger risk – the fee is higher and the sell-on value is lower.’