Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 7y

Chelsea's Gary Cahill: I have learned from John Terry but won't replace him

Gary Cahill has told the Evening Standard he could never fill John Terry's boots at Chelsea despite succeeding the 36-year-old as captain on the pitch in recent months.

Terry has made only one Premier League appearance since Antonio Conte's decision to switch to a 3-4-3 formation in September.

Cahill has taken on the captain's armband after becoming vice-captain following Branislav Ivanovic's move to Zenit St Petersburg.

Chelsea are 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League, with England international Cahill scoring a late winner in Saturday's 2-1 win at Stoke City.

But he said: "I would never try to fill John Terry's boots. You can never fill that position.

"When I took over as captain this season, either through him not being picked or not being available, it was a privilege to do that.

"Firstly, I have learned from how he manages himself, how he plays and how he does things.

"But secondly I never thought for one minute, or will ever think, that I'm replacing him.

"He is right at the top and whoever comes in after him is never going to achieve what he's done at the club."

Cahill said he had gained plenty of inspiration from Terry but brought his personal style of leadership to the team.

"I have been my own man," he added. "We have a great relationship, everyone knows that.

"John leaves me to get on with it. He knows I have played my fair share of big games and am experienced enough to handle it.

"I feel like I can be me, but I have obviously learned from the best."

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