Terry on course thanks to golf pal Franco

John Terry today paid tribute to Chelsea team-mate Gianfranco Zola for helping him back on the straight and narrow.

Terry, who confirmed he is still waiting to hear from the club about a new deal, today admitted that Zola's advice has been invaluable in his rehabilitation following his well-publicised court case.

The central defender was cleared of all charges in August 2002 following an incident in a Knightsbridge nightclub the previous January and the Chelsea star admitted today: "I needed to sort myself out.

"I talked to a few people, my mum, dad and brother, and Franco has also been a big help. I've played a lot of golf with him recently and we've talked on the way round. He told me that I had a big future at Chelsea but that I needed to work harder."

Terry admitted he had to make some tough decisions, including giving up alcohol. "I had a glass of champagne after my court case and I haven't had a drink since," he said. "I had dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and I needed to act the right way. I used to go around to Franco's house and be in awe of him. There was food cooking and he taught me how to look after my body.

"Now I drink the right things, take iron tablets and generally look after myself."

Terry is still struggling with a thigh injury but he said: "I'm having deep massage and I hope it will be OK."

Meanwhile, he is hoping his future at the club can be resolved quickly. "I'm a bit disappointed," he said. "Players at other clubs who do well are rewarded but I have heard nothing. I want to stay at Chelsea but I have to safeguard my future."