Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explains decision to take off John Terry

Jose Mourinho insists John Terry remains a key part of his Chelsea side despite the captain’s substitution at half-time of their 3-0 defeat by Manchester City at The Etihad.

Argentina international Sergio Aguero had four chances to break the deadlock before the City striker finally made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute at Etihad Stadium.

John is a player I have total trust for, with me he was never substituted, With other managers he was not selected and people thought his Chelsea career was over

Jose Mourinho

Terry was replaced by Kurt Zouma in the second half, but City captain Vincent Kompany and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho added second and third goals to seal three big points.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Everton defender John Stones in recent weeks, and Mourinho discussed his decision to take off Terry at half-time.

“It was a decision. Zouma is the fastest defender we have in the squad. I know Man City are going to play counter attack and Zouma is a different player to John and was proven right because Zouma was in complete control,” Mourinho told BBC Sport.

“John is a player I have total trust for, with me he was never substituted, With other managers he was not selected and people thought his Chelsea career was over.

“If a manager has the right, I do, because I gave the chance to make him what he is, a fantastic player and a fantastic captain. I was proven right.

“One point from six is better than zero and worse than two. I am okay in mathematics, multiply 36 by three and I know how much it gives, I know the championship is more than mathematically open.”

Terry, who turns 35 in December, had never been substituted in the Premier League by manager Mourinho before Sunday’s clash.

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The Chelsea centre-half has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and five FA Cups during his distinguished career.