The 25-year-old defender has been at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea's youth system in 1997, and has played a major part in the club's rise to the top.

Chelsea's John Terry shouts at his defenders as he stands in as the goalkeeper during their English Premier League soccer match against Reading at the Madejski Stadium in Reading October 14, 2006. [Reuters]

But Terry is adamant that even before the success arrived, he knew he belonged at Chelsea.

Terry is now ready to pledge his long-term future to Chelsea and sign a new deal with the club.

"You don't see loyalty that often these days, but I've been at Chelsea for many years now, even when things weren't as successful," he said.

"I knew this was a family club so that was the one for me. And I want to stay at Chelsea forever.

"I had chances to go elsewhere. United approached me but as soon as I went to Chelsea I had a feeling I'd be here for life."

Terry is looking to emulate what Tony Adams did in spending his entire career at Arsenal by staying at Chelsea for life.

"Tony was my hero. I like the way he played because he gave everything and had a lot of heart," Terry praised.

"It's important to have people to look up to, to inspire you."