Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to keep John Terry as captain of Chelsea.
Terry, who is alleged to have had an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge, lost his England captaincy on Friday to Rio Ferdinand following a meeting with national team boss Fabio Capello.
But Ancelotti has backed Terry to continue as captain of the west London club.
Ancelotti said in an interview to Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "(Terry) has maintained the captaincy because it's not my role to monitor the private life of my players, unless this affects their performances.
"For myself and for the club, he is a great captain, a serious professional, a leader and a player who has great closeness to this club, because he grew up in the Chelsea Academy."
Ancelotti believes Terry's personal situation has not hindered the Blues, who will face Inter Milan in the Champions League knock-out stages later this month.
"I guarantee that it has not affected the team in the least," Ancelotti said.
"We will prepare well for the Champions League."
When asked what his relationship is like with compatriot and England manager Fabio Capello, Ancelotti said: "We have spoken and seen each other a few times."
