JOHN TERRY WILL leave Chelsea at the end of the season, calling an end to his 22-year spell at Stamford Bridge, the club have confirmed.
The Blues captain has only made 10 appearances in all competitions in 2016-17 and has not featured in the Premier League since the 5-0 win over Everton on November 5.
Terry said he had not made a decision on his future away from the club, but feels “it’s the right time” for him to end his trophy-laden Chelsea career.
In a statement released via Chelsea’s official website, the former England captain said: “There is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club. From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you enough. There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the coming weeks.
“I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season.
“The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days. We had some really positive talks but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave.
“I’ve always been conscious that I depart at the right time, in the right way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right time for the club and I.
“I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me. I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware.
“Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and our amazing Chelsea fans. I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable support you’ve shown me over the years. You mean the world to me and every trophy we’ve won during my time at the club we’ve won together. I will never forget the incredible journey we’ve been on.”
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia made it clear that they hope for Terry to return in a new capacity in future.
“Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done for this football club. He has been an outstanding player, inspirational captain and has always demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the cause,” she said.
“In that time, Chelsea has grown into one of the world’s top clubs and it is only right that John’s contribution is recognised. He will always be held in the highest regard by everybody at Stamford Bridge and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”
Terry has won 14 major trophies during his Chelsea career, including five FA Cups, four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2012.
He has made 713 appearances for the club since his debut in 1998, 578 of which came as captain, and scored 66 goals.
Great player in his day, Top of his game for about ten years!!
Great great defender no doubt but a despicable human being from bridges wife to flogging corporate boxes in Stamford Bridge and the racism row.id say hes praying they win the title so he can play the last game at Stamford Bridge and lift the trophy.great player tho top drawer
@bob wilbury: even if he doesn’t play ? Will he change into his kit ?? Think he could do a job still for Klopp
@Ron Koeman: he’ll be playing the last game at home IF they have the title wrapped up by then .cant see him going anywhere else in England Chelsea thru and thru.and Liverpool should be looking for a better option than a 37 or 38 yr old center half anyway.would real Liverpool supporters take to that fella at this stage I couldn’t see it noway
@Ron Koeman: do a job for any top 4 team. Don’t think he play for United etc he too good for mid table ball. IMO
@Games Greatest: hope to jaysus Mourinho doesn’t attempt to bring him to ot he’ll lose a lot of us if he does.dont think terry will ruin his rep with the Chelsea faithful anyway by playing for someone else in prem lge
@Games Greatest: let’s face it Liverpool are pretty bad at defending he could teach them a thing or too
Leader and captain Blue legend, will always be blue, best defender in the premiership,Always putting his body on the line for Chelsea, Thx for the memories and all the silverware,
@bluematrix: knights of Columbus…
Great defender, horrible person.
As a United supporter I want to thank John Terry…………………..for handing United the Champions League back in 2008
Take a look at this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/f3tWqZ0pNC8
A year too late I think, he hasn’t played much this season.
Leaving the personal stuff aside and judging him purely as a footballer and a leader he was brillant! He played at the top for 10-15 years in one of the best defences the premiership has seen. His leadership can’t be underestimated, he along with mourinho helped instill a winning mentality into Chelsea.
Off field stuff aside, he was a serious defender for 10/12 seasons & has won it all with Chelsea. He never had pace but adapted his game & rarely got caught out for it
Shagging his friends missus,scmbag..regardless of what he done for club or country…not as low as giggs tho