Lampard backs Terry to stay at Chelsea

London: The Blues` midfielder believes the skipper will remain at the club, despite the defender`s fitness having come into question following limited appearances under Rafa Benitez.

Frank Lampard has backed John Terry to remain at Chelsea for the foreseeable future, despite the player`s fitness being questioned ahead of entering the final year of his contract. Lampard himself only recently signed a one-year contract extension to remain at Stamford Bridge, where he helped the team win a Champions League, four FA Cups and three Premier League titles. Lampard said: "I know JT will want to stay, he`s said he`d love to stay at Chelsea. He feels the same as me. "Why play anywhere else when you love the club you`re at? JT`s the captain of the club and does a brilliant job. At the start of next season, I think that`s when the club will take a view on it. I know what my view would be.`` The 35-year-old also laughed off reports which suggest that the players have influence over the firing of managers. "One thing that has helped us remain successful over such a long period is a strong core, strong spine,`` he said. "I mean that in terms of players - their ability, personality and the leaders. "You need people like that in the dressing room. But the idea of the dressing room being too strong? Certainly not. "I`ve never heard of any players here being able to ask our owner to sack a manager or even discuss anything to do with the structure of the club. If you wanted to take that chance you would probably get sacked yourself.`` Goal.com