Chelsea captain John Terry has defended his form in the wake of the scandal which has engulfed him over the past month.

Many have been critical of the form of the 29-year-old, who was stripped of the England captaincy following tabloid revelations surrounding him and the former partner of Wayne Bridge.

The knives were out after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Everton, but Terry insists that, aside from that game, his form is holding up.

He told The People: "There are not many players who come out publicly and hold their hands up like I did after the Everton game.

"I also had an air-kick at Wolves but, apart from that, I am pleased with my form this year.

"In the first half of the season I was in really good form but after a couple of bad results, and what has gone on in recent weeks, the spotlight has been on me.

"But I feel as though I am playing well."

Terry was content with his performance in the international friendly against Egypt on Wednesday, his first performance since losing the England captaincy, and felt he continued to play a leadership role.

"I played well against Egypt," he said. "It was important for me to come through that with a good performance.

"I think I did carry on as a leader against Egypt. I think anyone who was watching the game could see that."