Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham has hailed the hands-on support of John Terry as a major motivation as he looks to become the first academy graduate since the Blues captain to break into the first team.
The 19-year-old striker is currently on a season-long loan at Championship side Bristol City, where he scored 10 in his first 13 appearances in all competitions before suffering a six-game goal drought in November.
He showed maturity to stay focused and get back on the score sheet in early December, as he revealed Chelsea’s skipper is in constant communication with him and has been instrumental in this area of his development.
“John Terry is a massive role model to so many youngsters and obviously he loves the academy,” Abraham told MirrorFootball.
“He’s always interacting with it, and he’s always talking to me as well.
“I think that’s what I need really, because he’ll send me a message saying ‘get yourself back on the score sheet’ or even if your not scoring, to work on your overall game and give 100 per cent every time you’re out there.
“It gives me confidence to know that he is there to support you.”
Abraham is one of 35 players on loan from Chelsea – the most of any other Premier League side – and is widely considered one of the brightest talents to have emerged from the academy.
His solid performances have even caught the eye of Antonio Conte, who in October referred to him as Chelsea’s “future” – positive words that have only made the teenager more determined to follow in the footsteps of the man they call “Captain, Leader, Legend”.
“It motivates me to hear good things from a top coach, the coach of Chelsea first team to say that about someone,” said Abraham.
“It’s really going to get me to work hard whenever I’m out there on the pitch.”
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