Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has claimed in his autobiography that a row between captain John Terry and manager Jose Mourinho over Terry's fitness contributed to Mourinho's sacking in 2007.
Makelele wrote that Mourinho wanted to rest Terry after a back operation, but Terry insisted he was fit to play. Mourinho said his performance was suffering and replaced him with Ricardo Carvalho and Alex. Makelele described the situation as 'war'.
Chelsea and Terry have denied the claims. A club statement said Terry was not responsible for Mourinho's departure, which was 'mutually agreed'. Terry's lawyers also said he never asked for a transfer and had no role in the sacking.
Tensions between Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich had been growing over transfer policy and the appointment of Avram Grant, who succeeded Mourinho.
