TERRY’S PLEA
He wants a new English club after Chelsea exit
John Terry will listen to offers from Premier League clubs as he seeks to extend his playing career.
The former england centre back yesterday announced he will leave Chelsea after the season, bringing to an end his 22-year association with the club he joined from school.
Terry had maintained he wanted to finish his career at Stamford Bridge and said he would find it difficult to play against a team he has represented 713 times, leading them out as captain in a record 578 games.
But there were as many as 10 enquiries for him in January from english clubs — including offers from West Bromwich, Stoke and Bournemouth — and though Terry has no specific destination in mind, he is prepared to consider all offers. Chelsea were ready to explore a role for him in a non-playing capacity but the 36-year-old feels physically able to carry on for at least another year.
Terry has barely played this season, leaving him determined to squeeze as
much as he can from the twilight of his playing career. He has seen Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech given warm receptions when returning to the Bridge in opposition colours.
He spent yesterday training at the club as the rest of the firstteam squad enjoyed a day off.
Terry was in a similar position this time last year when he did not expect Chelsea to produce a late contract offer at the behest of incoming manager Antonio Conte. He signed a oneyear deal in May but has played only six minutes of Premier League football since an injury against Swansea in September.
During his absence, Conte switched to a back three and Chelsea have not looked back. He was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
When Terry’s representatives were instructed last year to look into all his options they discovered the big-spenders in China and the United States preferred to spend their millions on strikers rather than centre halves.
Interest from the Middle East did not materialise as expected although there was the chance of a move to Brondby in Denmark, where he is friends with the owner. At the same time, it became clear he still has many admirers in English football after a glittering career at Chelsea in which he won all honours, including four league titles and the Champions League.
Eddie Howe tried to lure him to Bournemouth for the rest of the season when he was forced to let Nathan Ake return to Stamford Bridge in January.
West Brom’s Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes of Stoke and Sunderland’s David Moyes were all interested and Jamie Carragher, who describes Terry as the Premier League’s best defender, told Sky Sports viewers last night he was certain that he could still play in the top flight.
Terry, too, has faith in his own physical condition. After injuries earlier in his career, many due to the bold nature of his play, he has learned how to keep his body fit in later years. In a statement released yesterday, he said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
Chelsea issued a statement thanking him for his service and wishing him well in the next chapter of his career.
Club director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done for this club. He has been an outstanding player, inspirational captain and has always demon demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the cause.
‘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.’
Before he leaves, Terry has the chance to win more major trophies with an FA Cup semi- final against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday and Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Premier League with six games to play.
Terry added: ‘I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season at Chelsea with more silverware. Words cannot describe the love I have for our club and our amazing 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.’