Former Chelsea captain John Terry has opened up about his discussion with Tosin Adarabioyo prior to the defender's exit from the club. According to Terry, Adarabioyo was quite upset when he discovered that Xabi Alonso had made the decision not to include him in his plans.
Terry recounted:
I spoke to Tosin the other day and asked him: ‘What did the manager say?’
He replied: ‘I’m just not in his plans.’
He mentioned: ‘I fully respect that decision. I wanted to stay and prove him wrong, but I have been told to look for another club. I’m very disappointed because I’ve spent only a couple of years here.’
Despite his disappointment, Terry noted that Adarabioyo appreciated the clarity of Alonso's approach.
Terry continued:
He was certainly disappointed. However, the manager is very clear and honest in his explanations; there’s no ambiguity. He made it clear that he really likes Josh Achiampong, who has already played a few matches and looks like a player for the future.
He prefers to keep him over Tosin, so letting such players go is the right call.
On transfer deadline day, Adarabioyo completed a move to Tottenham for around £7 million, joined by Mykhailo Mudryk, who will spend the season on loan at the London club.
Terry also backed Alonso's tough approach to squad selection:
I like that rigidity. It might sound harsh, but modern players particularly value honesty. Tosin got the opportunity to play regularly, just like Mudryk, who will spend the season on loan.
However, the former centre-back believes Chelsea still has one issue to address following the closure of the transfer window: a shortage of midfielders.
Terry added:
I think we lack one player specifically in that position. Other than that, I’m happy. I really like Adam Wharton. Jordan Henderson can still offer a lot to our team. But in midfield, I believe we are still short one player.
