John Terry Puts Us Out Of Our Misery

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti likes to joke. He made it known at his first press conference, and has put his sense of humour to good use in similar situations ever since. For the sake of his sanity, it's probably just as well, as he constantly fielded queries from journalists regarding John Terry. There are only so many ways you can say "I think John Terry will stay" after all.

Well fear not Carletto; not that you ever did, anyway. Your club captain has finally declared his commitment to your cause.

"I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can."

And all of a sudden, when you cut Terry, he bleeds royal Chelsea blue, rather than the more pale Manchester variety, and any anxiety that may have been emanating out of Stamford Bridge has subsided.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are left to lick their wounds and move on. Sure, the signings of Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez are impressive, the latter two particularly serving as marquee purchases, but it is no secret that manager Mark Hughes needs to bring in a big name at the centre of defence. With the new Premier League season less than three weeks away, City are no closer to their missing puzzle piece.

With Terry out of the question, the attention of chief executive Garry Cook at Eastlands turns back to Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure, who would come arguably cheaper, but could prove equally difficult to crowbar away from their clubs despite their comparitive lack of financial stroke. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in particular has recently beomaned the need for a rich foreign investor at this day and age in football, though has admirably never forced David Moyes to part company with his best assets, of which Lescott is certainly one.

City remain on the prowl, but it is refreshing to know that the right amount of money can buy you all the diamonds in the world, but not necessarily a rock at the back.