Blues legend ‘will be back’
last night. The Chelsea skipper, at the club since he was 14, said: “After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank. 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 positive talks but I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave. 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 at Chelsea will be limited.
“I will be looking to continue with a new challenge.”
Terry helped Chelsea to win 14 major trophies, including the Champions League and four Premier League titles, but has made only 10 appearances this season under Antonio Conte.
An offer is on the table for Terry, currently taking his coaching badges, to return to Chelsea in a non-playing role in the future – but for now he wants to continue to play. It is the end of an era at Stamford Bridge, with the departure of a man who has made 713 appearances since his debut in 1998, scoring 66 goals.
His is the third highest number of appearances of any player in Chelsea’s history and he has captained the club a record 578 times.
Blues director Marina Granovskaia said: “Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done.
“He has been an outstanding player and inspirational captain.
“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.
“We look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”
Meanwhile manager Conte was boosted last night by the news that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup semifinal against Tottenham.
Courtois missed the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday with an ankle injury picked up while filming an NBA basketball promotion last week.
Basketball fan Courtois was filming the video with team-mates at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground when he landed awkwardly and turned an ankle.
Last night he told friends he expects to be fit for the cup showdown at Wembley, barring any further setbacks this week.
Chelsea also expect Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso to return at Wembley. He pulled out of the United game during the warm-up because of illness.