Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says the presence of John Terry and his fellow veterans is important to the club's future.
Terry is in line to play his 15th game this season against Stoke City.
Mourinho said: "I think even when a player with a big history doesn't play the same or doesn't perform the same, like Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes last season or Javier Zanetti at Inter (Milan), I think they are always important. They should never lose their status.
"What they can lose is their place on the pitch. That is the manager's decision.
"The status, the respect, the voice, these players should always keep. John and (Frank) Lampard and Ashley (Cole) and (Michael) Essien, what they have from me is this respect. They will always have that.
"The respect (from me) and from the club must be untouchable. The players should feel as important as always and this is what I try to do with them.
"John has played every match in the Premier League but not internationals so while the other guys go away he stays and takes care of his body and that helps him be at the level he is."
