Manchester, England - John Terry has snubbed Manchester City and committed his future to Chelsea, citing their ambition and Carlo Ancelotti among his key reasons for staying.
Terry ended weeks of speculation when he issued a statement ahead of Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Club America of Mexico in which he said leaving "was never a possibility".
It is a major blow to City manager Mark Hughes, who had identified the 28-year-old England captain as the man to lead the revolution at Eastlands and was ready to pay him £250 000 (R3.2 million) a week.
Chelsea are expected to open talks with Terry on improved terms for the remaining three years of his contract and, although owner Roman Abramovich is not prepared to go anywhere near City's offer, he will make him the club's highest earner on at least £150 000 (R1.9 million) a week.
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'Leaving Chelsea was never a possibility' Terry said: "There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all. I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been. Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer.
"When you are linked with any club, or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines, but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.
"Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever,' Terry said. "This has been further proved by the appointment of manager Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain he will take this club on to the next level."
Hughes will take little consolation from the fact that City went close to luring Terry. The Chelsea skipper was certainly tempted by the offer and the new challenge but there is no guarantee when City will be able to offer Champions League football to their recruits.
'They are a small club with a small mentality'
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