Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists he didn't want to lose John Terry last summer.
Terry left Chelsea for Aston Villa after coming off contract.
Conte said: "For us it was big loss.
"I tried to keep him for another season but he wanted to play and I understood this. I wished the best for him and his family.
"John Terry's role last season was incredible. He didn't play a lot of games but despite this his commitment was incredible, great.
"He helped me a lot in the changing room and for sure, with John Terry, we are talking about a player with great experience."