Young England stars commit to Blues

Terry, who broke into the Senior squad at the back end of last season, and Cole, who has three caps for David Platt's Under 21s, both signed long term deals which will keep them at Stamford Bridge for six and four years respectively.

There had been reports in the media that Terry in particular had been unsettled with life at Chelsea but Chairman Ken Bates dismissed any notion that the defender was keen to leave Stamford Bridge.

Bates told Chelsea's television channel: "The good news is Carlton Cole has signed a new six-year contract and John Terry walked in good as gold and he will be with us for four years.

"I said `what about what I have read in the papers?' He said `I have been away with England' - and of course he has.

Terry himself said: "I never wanted to leave the club and I'm delighted to be here for another four years.

"I always said I wanted to stay. Consistency made us a Champions League team last season, which we deserved, but if we can sign Carlton, Eidur and William and get the backbone of the team and build, we can push for the title."

The 22-year-old, who won his first England cap in the June friendly against Serbia and Montenegro, also said that he was sad to see Zola leave the club.

"I can't believe it, I'm gutted. He's been a great player, a great professional. The fans will miss him.

"It's a shame he's not here, he's been the best foreigner in the Premier League without a doubt. We'll miss him but I'm looking forward to next season."

John Terry 

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Barking, England
Date of Birth: 7 December 1980
Weight: 12 13
Height: 6' 1''
Club: Chelsea
Position: Defender

Carlton Cole 

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Surrey, England
Date of Birth: 12 November 1983
Weight: 12 13
Height: 6' 2''
Club: Chelsea
Position: Striker