Jose Mourinho feared John Terry's career was on the way down, but the Chelsea manager believes his star defender is now back to his best after a loss of "self-esteem".

Terry has been a more prominent figure in Mourinho's Chelsea lineup this season after a number of troubled seasons that culminated in the centerback struggling to hold his place in the team when Rafael Benitez was in charge last season.

The former England international has been revived following Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge for a second spell as manager and will captain the Blues on Saturday for the visit of a Cardiff side anxious to focus its efforts on the pitch following a week of off-field upheaval.