John Terry believes Chelsea are ‘loved across the world’ and is determined to compete for silverware in the forthcoming season to appease the Blues’ fanbase.
Chelsea are currently on a pre-season tour in North America and played in front of a record crowd of 105,826 at the University of Michigan Stadium during Saturday night’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
Terry is used to rubbing shoulders with such a stellar level of opposition during competitive games but, after a disappointing campaign last season, Antonio Conte’s side will not compete in Europe this term.
And while the 35-year-old was evidently delighted to perform in such a vast crowd, he claimed that the club needs to fight for top honours as soon as possible because doing just that is what appeals to their supporters around the globe.
“It was an unbelievable turnout,” he told the club’s official website.
“It was great for me to be a part of it and to be Chelsea captain on the day and lead the team out in such an atmosphere.
“It goes to show the hard work the club has done over the past few years, winning big competitions and getting people’s attention.
“That’s why the American fans love us, why we’re loved across the world and we want to get back to winning those trophies and fighting for the big competitions,” Terry added.
Terry played the full 90 minutes against Madrid, who raced into a three goal lead at half time before Eden Hazard marked his return with a well-taken brace.
And the veteran defender allowed himself a moment or two to soak in the atmosphere produced by the club’s American supporters.
“We took the atmosphere in when we arrived at the stadium, and there are times in the game where the ball goes out of play and you can have a look around.
“For example at the Mexican wave or with the Icelandic chant that’s going around at the moment as well.”
Chelsea have two more pre-season friendlies against AC Milan and Werder Bremen before starting their Premier League campaign against West Ham at Stamford Bridge on August 15.
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