Carlo Ancelotti has declared that John Terry will be Chelsea captain forever in his first press conference as Blues manager.

This was amid speculation over a move to Manchester City.

The Italian, holding his first press conference, also confirmed that Chelsea had signed Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.

Ancelotti said: "John Terry is a symbol of this team.

"He will be captain next season. He said he wants to stay forever and we want to keep him for ever.

"Now there is a question of Manchester City, but for Terry (there is) no price.

"Terry will be at Chelsea forever.

"He said he wants to stay, there is no problem for him for us, the story continues - Chelsea and Terry.

"I like to have a captain like Terry, he is very close to (Paulo) Maldini for professionalism, for quality and he will be the best captain for Chelsea.

"I spoke with Terry a month ago when I came to the club and he said welcome. And after he went on holiday.

"I will speak with him because he is the captain and I want a good relationship with the captain."

When asked if the club would offer Terry a new, improved contract, he added: "It's not my problem."

Ancelotti also confirmed the arrivals of Daniel Sturridge, from Manchester City, and Zhirkov.

He said: "Zhirkov, Sturridge - these are Chelsea players."

However, the former AC Milan boss refused to confirm Deco and Ricardo Carvalho would be leaving west London despite the pair being heavily linked with Inter Milan.

He said: "Carvalho and Deco are Chelsea players.

"If in the future a player wants to go they have to speak with the club and we take the right decision for the player and for us."

Zhirkov is understood to have signed a three-year contract with the option for a further year.

Chelsea are believed to have paid around £18million for the 25-year-old left-back, who likes to get forward.

Zhirkov has played 28 times for Russia and came to prominence during Euro 2008 when the national side reached the semi-finals under former Chelsea boss Hiddink.

Ancelotti was also asked about the future of Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko. The player is set to return to the club for pre-season training on July 9.

He spent last season on loan to AC Milan but only started two matches under Ancelotti and now looks certain to serve the final year of his contract out at Stamford Bridge.

"Shevchenko is a Chelsea player and I want to speak with him," said Ancelotti.

"Shevchenko will come in London on July 9 and will work with us in pre-season and at this moment we will speak with him to find the right solution for us."