John Terry is ‘playing poker’ with Chelsea in bid to earn new contract, claims ex-assistant Steve Clarke

Chelsea captain John Terry is ‘playing poker’ with the club in an attempt to earn a new contract, according to former Blues coach Steve Clarke.

The 35-year-old defender caused a strom by announcing last week that he expects to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, claiming Chelsea opted not to extend his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Terry made his 698th Blues appearance in last week’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

Chelsea quickly insisted they could yet offer their long-term skipper a fresh deal, with manager Guus Hiddink adamant the door is not closed on the centre-back’s future, but Terry said on Sunday that there was still ‘no communication’ from the club.

“It’s a strange one,” former Chelsea assistant Clarke told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. “I think John is playing a little game of poker with the club.

“He’s trying to force another deal for himself.

“I was at the game against Manchester United last week and John still looks very comfortable.

“He still looks as though he can do a good job for the club and hopefully they can come to a sensible agreement which means John can get at least one more season at Chelsea.”