Premier League leaders Chelsea on Monday announced that captain and defender John Terry would be leaving at the end of the season after 22 years at the club.
“After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club,” Terry was quoted as saying in a joint statement released by the 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,” added Terry, who joined the club in 1998. he has since played 713 games and scored 66 goals. He is the club’s third highest all-time appearance-maker and has captained Chelsea a record 578 times.
This season he has featured less on the field but remained an influential member of the squad which, sits top of the Premier League. Terry, though, confirmed that the exit would not bring an end to his playing career and that he will ply his trade elsewhere.
“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 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 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,” he said.
John Terry has led the side to a Champions League title, four Premier League titles, the Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups. His 14 major honours make him the club’s most decorated individual player of all time.
The statement, however, stated that the club would be open to welcoming Terry back in a non-plying capacity.