The dynamic duo left Chelsea for Man United and PSG respectively and The Chelsea captain believes his boss got them right – because he knows when players have their minds elsewhere.
Questions were raised when the Blues sold Mata to rivals Manchester United in January 2014, having won the Player of the Year prize in both his previous seasons in west London.
Paris Saint-Germain then splashed out A?50million for defender Luiz this summer, as another influential figure departed the Stamford Bridge dressing room.
David Luiz scored at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League Knock-out stages to Knock Chelsea out of Europe on away goals but Chelsea skipper Terry believes his side’s performances this term show Mourinho made the right call in letting the pair depart.
“You look at some of the world-class players wea ve had, Juan Mata, David Luiz, players like that whoa ve left the club,” he told a journalist.
“Hea s seen something a I dona t know what a to let those big players go. He also knows when players take their foot off the gas.”
The Chelsea captain feels the Portuguese has special qualities -that he has not experienced anywhere else in his career ,that make him stand out from the rest.
The 34-year-old added: “Ita s his handling of different players differently and he does it superbly. Hea s just inspiring and, for me, therea s none better at drawing the best out of people than Jose Mourinho.a
Terry, who has signed a one-year contract extension revealed how a phone call from Mourinho saved his Chelsea career after falling out of favour under caretaker boss Rafael Benitez.
He claims the Blues boss told him he needed to come back fit and firing because he had been “written off” after a season on the sidelines.
Terry was delighted after signing a new contract ,which will keep the defender at the club until summer 2016,he said: “I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea.
“After adding another major trophy to my collection this month I hope myself, the players and manager can continue to bring success to our club.
“Playing for this great club makes me so proud. And as always I would like to thank the fans who have continually supported me.”
Coach Jose Mourinho was delighted the Club secured the services of the defender for another season and Mourinho said: “This new contract is not to say a thank you very mucha ; it is because John continues to perform.
“He is a top defender. I am happy that he completely deserves this new contract after a season where he has already played 40 matches.”
Chelsea entered the international break with a six-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City, with a game in-hand, in the race for the 2014/15 Premier League title.