Terry hopes pain can drive Blues to success

But the Blues captain insisted that made him more determined to get his hands on the title when the season gets under way this weekend.

Chelsea went close to completing a great comeback last term but came up short as United were crowned English champions for a record 19th time.

However, Terry was confident history would not repeat itself this season.

“We can catch Manchester United,” said the defender, speaking at the official launch of the 20th Premier League season.

“They have been the benchmark for 20 years. We pushed them to the end last season but missed out.

“We all see their quality and the hunger they have and that the manager has too.

“It really drives me on and seeing them lift the trophy last year still hurts to this day.

“I want to get my hands back on it and lift it.

“The competition is improving every year. The players are getting stronger and the managers want it even more.”

Terry will lead the deposed champions out at Stoke on Sunday for the first competitive game under Andre Villas-Boas.

The new Chelsea manager has already made a big impression on his players, masterminding a pre-season campaign that ended with a 100 per cent record.

That is in stark contrast to a year ago, when they lost all but one of their warm-up matches.

Villas-Boas’s team selection at the Britannia Stadium will be eagerly anticipated, particularly whether he decides to play Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba or both.

Torres was forced off during Spain’s friendly defeat in Italy last night, reportedly after suffering mild concussion.