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Chelsea legend warns Enzo Maresca about the use of his talisman | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 14:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Chelsea Legend John Terry’s Caution to Young Forward Enzo Maresca: Keep the Talisman Close, But Don’t Rely on It

In a quiet but pointed interview with Sporting News on Thursday, former Chelsea captain John Terry offered a piece of advice that sent ripples through the club’s social‑media corridors: Enzo Maresca should keep his talisman close to his heart during matches, but he must never let superstition dictate his performance.

Maresca—who just signed a professional contract with Chelsea’s first‑team after a standout season with the club’s under‑23s—has been the subject of a quiet, almost mythic fascination for fans in recent weeks. In a small video posted by the club on Thursday night, the player can be seen holding a weathered leather charm in his pocket, whispering a quick thanks to the old Italian coin that “has brought me luck in every big game.” The charm, a brass‑plated, hand‑carved talisman, is reportedly a family heirloom that Maresca’s great‑aunt gave him before a key international match in 2019. He has since worn it under his shirt for every competitive appearance.

Terry, a man whose career at Chelsea was defined by grit and a razor‑sharp instinct for timing, has spent his post‑retirement years in the world of coaching and punditry. He was quick to recall how superstitions had guided him in the early days of his career. “When I was a kid in the schoolhouse, I’d keep a little piece of a football shirt under my arm. I used to think it was a magic spell, but it was a habit that kept me focused,” Terry said. “It’s not the talisman that makes you a winner, it’s the work, the training, the hunger.”

The interview, which ran for 13 minutes, was filmed in the same quiet, almost private setting where Terry had once guided young players in the academy’s “Chelsea Values” seminars. He told Maresca that the talisman can serve as a psychological anchor—helping the player remember the club’s heritage, the pressure of expectations, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the club’s colors. However, the legend was careful to underscore that the charm is “just a tool” and not a substitute for skill.

Terry also referenced the wider football culture that has long embraced talismans. “We’ve all seen David Beckham pull out a lucky sock, Steven Gerrard’s lucky number, or the old superstition of the iron cross in German football,” he said. “The problem is when the superstition becomes an excuse for not doing the work.”

Maresca’s own journey to Chelsea’s senior squad has been one of steady progression. A product of the club’s youth academy, the 21‑year‑old winger impressed in the Premier League 2 and the FA Youth Cup, earning a professional contract in the summer of 2024. In his debut for the under‑23s, he scored a late goal to level the match against Tottenham Hotspur, a performance that prompted the club to fast‑track his development.

The club’s communications team released a short video of Maresca thanking Terry for his words. “I’ve heard a lot about the talismans, and I’m just grateful for the tradition,” Maresca said, holding up the brass charm for the camera. “I’m excited to be wearing this at the club and I’ll keep it close, but I know I have to work hard on the field to earn my place.”

The response from fans was immediate and divided. On Chelsea’s official Twitter account, the club’s 15‑year‑old supporter, “Cheesy_Kit” tweeted, “If you want to win, just put your hands on a charm and pray 😜 #TalismanTerry.” Others, like “FootballFan88,” chimed in, “It’s cool to see legends caring about the younger squad. But the real talent is in the training ground.”

Terry’s caution has sparked a broader conversation about superstition in sport. A related Sporting News feature linked to the interview explored the psychological role of talismans in modern football, citing interviews with current stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The piece also referenced the famous “Red Devil” superstitions of Manchester United, underscoring how clubs across Europe adopt and discard rituals with each generation.

At the end of the interview, Terry offered a final, uncharacteristically vulnerable thought: “The club is more than a shirt, a logo, or a talisman. It’s a family. If you put your heart into the game, the rest will follow.” His words were met with applause from the academy’s coaching staff, who had been working with Maresca on both his technical and mental aspects of the game.

The story’s aftermath was a testament to how old‑school legends can still influence the next wave of football talent. As Maresca steps onto the field in the upcoming Premier League fixture against Liverpool, fans will be watching to see whether his brass charm becomes a silent part of the match or a reminder of the club’s rich tradition—and whether Terry’s advice holds true in the high‑stakes, high‑pressure world of top‑flight football.