CARLO ANCELOTTI says John Terry can become his English Paolo Maldini... but will never be his pet.
The Chelsea boss insists captain Terry is the heart and soul of his club, just as Maldini was during an incredible 24-year career at AC Milan.
Former Milan chief Ancelotti, whose Blues play at Aston Villa today, said: "Their careers are very close, not just in terms of their defensive play but also their professionalism.
"Maldini was 40 years old when he played his final game for Milan last season and I think John can do this as well.
"He has no physical problems but a lot of passion and this is the most important thing to continue playing to 39 or 40.
"With the improvement in preparation, physical training and medical treatment, the players will be able to continue for a lot longer."
England skipper Terry, 28, has spent 14 years at Stamford Bridge since joining as a schoolboy and has signed a new £160,000-a-week contract to 2014.
Ancelotti appeared on an Italian TV comedy show this week when it was claimed JT had taken over from Milan stalwart Filippo Inzaghi as his new pet.
He said: "I don't even know what 'pet' means.
"The TV programme made a comparison with Inzaghi and all I can say is I have respect for all my players who work with enthusiasm, for Terry, Inzaghi, Maldini, Gattuso... "
