Chelsea and Terry moved swiftly to reject the latest speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City in the summer - although the London club confirmed City made an enquiry late last year.

Media reports suggested that Terry was 'disillusioned' at the club and while the Blues recognised City had expressed interest, Chelsea made it plain they were not willing to sell.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "We made it very clear that John was not for sale. We did not entertain any further conversation on the subject and nor will we in the future. John is our captain and the captain of England. He is part of the heart and soul of Chelsea."

Chelsea have been waiting to put an end to speculation over Terry's future for some time and decided to issue the statement after the latest media reports.

Terry had been kept fully informed of City's interest but the defender made it clear to the club at the time that he had no intention of moving on.

Now the England captain hopes his latest comments will end any notion of him leaving.

"Chelsea told me what had happened with the enquiry as a courtesy," said Terry. "I was very happy with their reaction as mine would have been the same.

"I have always said that I want to end my career at the club which I love and we all see no reason why that cannot happen.

"Given recent events I am more determined than ever to make Chelsea successful again."

The club issued their latest accounts last Friday and recorded a loss of almost £66million. As a result players are likely to be sold to fund new additions to the squad in the summer.

However, Chelsea are adamant that whatever the financial situation at Stamford Bridge, Terry is not for sale at any price.

The defender was suspended for yesterday's 3-1 victory over Watford in the fifth round of the FA Cup but is set to return for interim coach Guus Hiddink's first game in charge at Aston Villa next weekend.