Mourinho's possible departure from Stamford Bridge has been reported widely in the British press, fuelled by his reluctance to publicly scotch talk of a summer move.

Mourinho, who is 44 next week, has led Chelsea to successive Premiership titles and Terry admits he would hate to see him go. Terry said: "We all agree that we don't want Jose to go and if it takes five or six of the senior players to tell them so, then that's what we're prepared to do.

"Jose is the best in the business, there's no doubt about that, and I'm sure he will be for the next 20 years. That's what we want at Chelsea - the best and only the best. So there is no way we want the best boss around to be walking away.

"We don't want to see top people leaving. Jose Mourinho must stay. We are all loyal to Jose. We know what he has done for us as players and for this club as a whole. This situation is putting pressure on everyone at this club."

However Terry, who is currently out of action after a back operation, added: "I am convinced he will stay. I think he will be here again next season, I really do. I don't think he will be going anywhere."