Terry admits Bridge blow

Chelsea skipper will miss former team-mate

Last updated: 7th January 2009

Terry admits Bridge blow

Bridge: Fresh challenge

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John Terry admits he will miss Wayne Bridge but accepts the full-back was right to leave Chelsea for Manchester City.

England international Bridge moved to Eastlands last weekend in a £10million deal, after concluding he was unlikely to dislodge Ashley Cole as the club's first choice left-back.

Bridge proved a popular figure at Stamford Bridge following his move from Southampton in 2003 and captain Terry was sorry to see the player go.

"He'll be missed and I'm still in shock a little bit because it's a shame to see one of the lads go who you have grown up with and been with a long time," said Terry.

Disappointed

"I'm disappointed but for him it was the right decision. We understand he's been here and tried to break in to become a first-team regular but with him and Ash being the two best left-backs around by far, it was difficult for him to break through and get as many games as he liked.

"I think he felt at 28 he had come to an age where he needed to play week in, week out, and he will definitely get that at Man City and show people he is right up there, as I said, with Ash."

Terry believes that playing regular first team football will allow Bridge opportunity to show just how good he really is, having spent too long kicking his heels on the sidelines.

"Once Bridgey starts playing people will realise how good he is. He was great to have around the place. A great professional too, coming in at eight some mornings to do an hour on the bike when he wasn't playing just to keep his fitness there so when he was called upon he did well.

"The thing with Bridgey is he could play left-back or left midfield and he is a great crosser of the ball and gets up and down, so we will miss him."