John Terry has snubbed Jorginho and named Mason Mount as the Chelsea player who he would love to see succeed Cesar Azpilicueta as the club's next captain.
The Spaniard currently wears the armband for Thomas Tuchel 's side, however, with his long-term future still up in the air, the Blues are considering their next leader. Club legend and former captain Terry has made his feelings known on who he believes should take on the responsibly and it comes as somewhat of a surprise.
Blues midfielder Jorginho has been widely touted as the man to succeed Azpilicueta as captain, however, Terry feels otherwise. The former England skipper named Mount as the player he would like to inherit the armband, claiming that decision would show "progression" at the club.
Speaking to alibendertv, Terry revealed: "He [Azpilicueta] is that example for everyone else to follow. I love what he does but I think the progression from that would probably lead itself to Mason for me.
"I think Mason has got the ability to go on and I think he’s capable of grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck if we need to. The Chelsea fans relate to him. He is Chelsea through and through. His family are as well. I would personally love to see Mason take it."
It wouldn't be the first time Mount has be entrusted as captain having previously embraced the honour during Chelsea's FA Cup fourth-round win over Luton in 2021. Back then, it was Frank Lampard who awarded him with the armband, but it remains to be seen if Tuchel will follow suit.
Join the debate! Who do you think should succeed Cesar Azpilicueta as Chelsea captain? Let us know your verdict below.
Terry also praised Azpilicueta for his impact as captain, lauding the 32-year-old for his consistency and for leading by example on the pitch. He said: "He [Azpilicueta] has been superb and as you said, there are many ways to skin a cat.
"He does it differently. His performances first and foremost have to speak for themselves, and they certainly do that. When your captain it’s important that you are a consistent performer, week in and week out. You give a solid seven or eight out of 10 every week. He does that for the group."
Azpilicueta has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, and that remains the case, despite a one-year extension having reportedly been triggered by Chelsea this week, according to The Athletic. Barcelona appear the most likely destination for the right-back who has won every trophy available to him in his decade-long stint in West London.
As for Jorginho, the snub will be the latest setback in a disappointing week for the 30-year-old. The Italian's hopes of playing at his first ever World Cup were shattered last Thursday as the European Champions crashed out of the qualifying play-offs.
A stoppage-time winner from North Macedonia's Aleksandar Trajkovski saw the minnows stun Roberto Mancini 's men and end Jorginho and co's dreams of playing at the Qatar showpiece later this year. The midfield metronome missed a crucial penalty in a group stage qualifier against Switzerland which ultimately proved costly, and it's a moment which he reveals will "haunt" him for life.
Jorginho admitted to RAI Sport, via Football Italia : “It hurts when I think about it. I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me. People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it’s tough.”
