Chelsea captain John Terry tells rival fans: "You'd love to have me in your team"

The former England defender isn't the most loved player in the Premier League but he isn't concerned with winning any popularity contests

John Terry reckons rivals fans who hate him would secretly love to have him in their teams.

Terry is adored at Chelsea but despised by many supporters outside of those who worship him at Stamford Bridge.

A string of off-field controversies and his racism row with Anton Ferdinand have taken the shine off all the trophies Terry has won during his illustrious career and contributed to the 34 year-old becoming a target for the boo-boys.

But Blues skipper Terry said: “I'm sure that if I was in their team they would love me in their team because I am one of those players who gives everything to the cause.

“Unfortunately the stick comes with it but I am very much used to that now.

“I do get a lot of stick, not only in the UK but everywhere we go really.

“But I thrive on that and try and use it in a positive way but I certainly don't try and block it out.

“I use it to my advantage because nine times our of ten if I can stay focused and keep the team focused we are going to come out as winners.

“And when you walk off the pitch having done your job and having done it the right way and go off with three points there is not much more to say.

“You hope that when you hang up your boots, you don't want to be hated, you just want to be thought of as a very good footballer and someone who gave everything for their club.”

Terry has won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three league cups plus, the Champions League, Europa League and two Community Shields in 17 years – and counting - at Chelsea.

Asked how he expects to be remembered, Terry said: “Well, there are an awful lot of trophies, so you can't hide away from that.

“Regardless of what people say you can't take away what I have won and done in the game.

“As a person and player that's for anyone who has met me. Anyone who has not met me shouldn't be judging me and questioning my character and the person I am.

“But footballing wise they have had an opportunity to see me play and if you are a football person you can make a judgement on whether I am a good player or not.

“But it all comes down to trophies and what I've won and at the end of my career I will look back and I will be very, very proud with what I have achieved if it finished tomorrow.”

Terry will be aiming to add another piece of silverware to his collection and win his third Community Shield on Sunday against Arsenal.

The Wembley clash will also be the first time goalkeeper Petr Cech has faced his former teammates after he swapped Chelsea for Arsenal this summer
.