Chelsea captain John Terry has claimed that his career is what it is because of manager Jose Mourinho.

Terry enjoyed a period of huge success during Mourinho's first reign at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007 but found himself behind the likes of Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill in the pecking order under interim boss Rafael Benitez last season following a serious knee injury.

However, the former England international has become a key player for the Blues again since Mourinho returned to the club in the summer, and Terry is keen to pay tribute to the former Real Madrid boss.

"It was the first time I've been out with a long injury. When you do get your chance, you really have to impress to stay in. Even I was playing well last year, scoring, I didn't maintain my place. It was quite frustrating for me," Terry told reporters.

"But the manager has been great for me. My career is where it is because of this man sitting next to me.

"I'm very proud to be working with him again and the team is in a good period at the moment, we're slowly getting where we want to be."

Terry has played in every match for Chelsea so far this season and is expected to keep up that record when the Blues face Schalke in the Champions League tomorrow night.