Terry ignores farewell furore
Blues legend could not be bothered by raging press storm
Cobham - Defiant Chelsea captain John Terry yesterday brushed off criticism of his controversial farewell substitution at Stamford Bridge, which caused a furore in the English media.
The 36-year-old central defender – who will leave Chelsea in the close-season after 22 years at the club – was given a guard of honour by his teammates last weekend when he was substituted after 26 minutes (the same as his squad number) during a 5-1 final-day victory over Sunderland in the Premier League.
The arrangement was later described as contrived and embarrassing by some pundits while reports fans won money by betting on the substitution – and that Sunderland agreed to kick the ball out on 26 minutes – have added fuel to the fire.
Terry, however, has insisted he has no regrets and is certain the reaction will not tarnish his memories of an emotional farewell.
“I couldn’t care less, I promise you,” Terry told journalists ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.
“All I care about is celebrating with my Chelsea fans because me and them have had an incredible rapport and have done for 22 years. No one, whatever is written or said, can ever get in the way of that.
“I wanted to play 26 minutes and come off because it meant a lot to me, the shirt number.
“As long as the supporters are happy – and I’m over the moon with the reception they gave me – I couldn’t care less.”
There is unlikely to be any repeat at Wembley on Saturday when Terry is expected to be a substitute. However, he does plan to lift the trophy with onfield captain Gary Cahill should Chelsea beat Arsenal to clinch a League and Cup ‘double’ for the second time in their history.
As for his future, Terry insists he has not yet decided whether he will continue playing or opt to retire once the season is over, though Premier League sides Bournemouth and Swansea have expressed interest in signing him. -