Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has described John Terry's contract extension as a "great boost for the club".

The long-serving Blues skipper looked on course to bring an end to his 21-year association with the club when he announced at the start of this year that he would not be offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea did eventually offer the 35-year-old a one-year extension earlier this week, and Cahill is delighted to be keeping his centre-back partner.

"It's important. All the lads are very happy, I am sure the fans are very happy, so it is a great end to the season in that respect," he is quoted as saying by PA.

"But, for us, I just echo what everyone is thinking: it is a great boost, a great boost for the club, it's a great lift for the players and obviously the fans.

"Although it kind of dragged on for a little while, it has been sorted now and we look forward to him being part of his squad like he has been for many, many, many, many, many years. It is fantastic news for us."

Terry has made 703 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since his debut in 1998.