Chelsea have announced that captain John Terry is set to part ways with the club at the end of the 2016-17 season.
The 36-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge for more than two decades and played 713 times for the Blues since his debut back in 1998.
Terry is the club’s third highest all-time appearances-maker and has captained the Blues a record 579 times while scoring 66 goals in the process.
This season he has been an influential and inspirational member of the squad under the guidance of Antonio Conte, despite the lack of game-time during the 2016-17 campaign.
Throughout his career, Terry has been a major contributor to the club’s success, having won the Champions League, four Premier League titles, the Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups, making him Chelsea’s most decorated player of all time.
Terry insists that he will always be grateful towards everyone at Stamford Bridge, who has contributed to his success at the club, while also revealing that he will decide on his new journey within the due course of time.
‘After 22 years 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,’ Terry told the Chelsea website.
‘I will decide on my future in due course, but for now, I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season.
The former West Ham United defender is one of just five defenders to have won the PFA Player of the Year award and was named in the Fifa/FifaPro World Team of the Year five seasons running.
He is both the club’s and the Premier League’s all-time top-scoring defender and has earned 78 caps for the England national team before retiring from international football in 2012.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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. Thank you so much for everything.’
Image: Chelsea website
