Juan Mata has paid tribute to Chelsea captain John Terry.

As one of the new faces among the "old guard", Mata has huge respect for the Blues skipper.

The Spaniard said: "Terry is playing with two broken ribs - and I don't think any other player at the club would be able to do that.

"Terry means the same for Chelsea as Carles Puyol does for Barcelona. They are both so strong mentally that they are able to overcome the pain they are in.

"Terry is our emblem, the symbol of the club, because despite all he has achieved he continues to strive to always be the best. It is something you cannot miss when you are new here."