Antonio Conte would be wise to keep John Terry at Chelsea when he takes over at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Blues legend Ray Wilkins.
Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Conte as first-team manager on a three-year contract on Monday, with the 46-year-old set to succeed interim boss Guus Hiddink after stepping down as Italy coach after Euro 2016.
Terry's future at Stamford Bridge is now in Conte's hands. The Chelsea captain insisted in March that he remains "very hopeful" of earning a new one-year contract, despite admitting that no further talks have taken place with the club since he revealed they had declined to offer him an extension in January.
Wilkins believes that Conte will want to make use of Terry's vast experience at Chelsea to aid his adjustment to a new club and league next season.
"John Terry is an exceptional player and he will be for a couple of years, whether he is at Chelsea or elsewhere," he told Sky Sports News. "Antonio will want his experience and will want to pick his brains about what he is coming into."
Last week Hiddink urged Terry to continue his playing career for as long as possible, whether or not Chelsea decide to offer their captain a new contract. The 35-year-old is reportedly the subject of interest from clubs in MLS, the Middle East and China, but his preference is to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Conte faces a significant rebuilding job at Chelsea after the most disappointing season of the Roman Abramovich era, but Wilkins believes the Italian -- who won three consecutive Serie A titles at Juventus before taking the Italy post in 2014 -- is capable of reviving the club's fortunes.
"He's done exceptionally well at Juventus so there is no reason to suggest he won't do well at Chelsea," Wilkins added. "He's a youthful, energetic character and there is no reason to suggest he won't do a good job.
"This year Chelsea have had a torrid time and it's not been pleasant to watch at times but Antonio comes in with a clean sheet."