Chelsea captain John Terry has decided to finally bring his over 20 years stay at the West London club to an end.
An agreement was reached between the defender and the club on Monday, April 17 for the record captain to leave at the end of the season.
“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,” John Terry, who has won almost everything with the club is quoted on Chelseafc.com as saying.
“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.”
Terry made his debut for Chelsea in 1998. His 66 goals since then make him the club’s – and indeed the English Premier League’s – all-time top-scoring defender.
He is also the most decorated all-time individual player for Chelsea.
“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.”
JT, as he is affectionately called by fans, expressed gratitude to all fans “for the unbelievable support you’ve shown me over the years”.
He added: “You mean the world to me and every trophy we’ve won during my time at the club we’ve won together”.
With Chelsea, Terry has won the Uefa Champions League, the Europa League, four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia was short of words in paying tribute to the 78-capped former England captain.
“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 hinted that Terry will be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in a non-playing capacity in the future.
“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.”
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