Terry hopeful over Chelsea future

JOHN Terry appeared to have made up his mind over his Chelsea future, but the captain is still eager to stay.

The Chelsea captain remains "very hopeful" he can extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

The 35-year-old's future remains unclear after he said he would leave his boyhood club following the 2015-16 campaign, only for Chelsea to say they were open to offering him a new deal.

Terry said his desire was to stay at Stamford Bridge, but he is willing to look elsewhere if no offer is forthcoming.

"I'm very hopeful," he said.

"I've been there 21 years and I'll never kind of give up until it finally happens. But, who knows? I've still got a lot to give, whether that's here [Chelsea] or somewhere else, for sure."

Terry was full of praise for interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, who has suffered just one loss in 15 games since replacing Jose Mourinho in December.

With their run, Chelsea have moved into 10th in the Premier League just eight points off fourth spot.

"Guus has been phenomenal since he come in. Not only this time, but last time [in 2009] as well," Terry said.

"We can only focus on that and what he's doing at the moment. But he's doing a fantastic job, as are the players at the moment."