Chelsea legend John Terry, the club’s most successful captain, will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, after 22 years with the Premier League club.

“John has given us more than two decades of dedicated and exceptional service,” Chelsea said in a statement. “In that time he has displayed the utmost pride at wearing the Chelsea shirt.”

The 36-year-old has made 713 appearances, the third-highest for Chelsea, and captained them a record 578 times, and scored 66 goals.

“After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club,” Terry said. “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,” he added.

Terry has started in only four games for table toppers Chelsea this season. The former England international debuted at Stamford Bridge in 1998, and has won a Champions League, four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League with Chelsea.

Tribute poured in soon as the news of Terry’s departure was confirmed as former players and fans alike praised the defender on social media.

Terry himself shared a photo album of his best memories with Chelsea on Instagram.

💙 @chelseafc

A post shared by John Terry (@johnterry.26) on

Former team mate Frank Lampard shared a long, emotional post about “the last man standing from Chelsea’s incredible era”.

The last man standing of an incredible era for @chelseafc. What a pleasure to play with the greatest defender in the @premierleague history. In fact, I'd put him up with any defender in world football of any era. He led the club both on and off the pitch from the moment he made his debut. He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club. He was, and is, a legend, not just for his talent but just as much for his desire to get the best out of himself and others around him. That's what made him the most successful captain in the club's history. Off the pitch a great friend to not just me but so many at the club and outside of it. The countless things I've seen JT do to help people outside of the game, things that not many see, are what defines him as a man. @johnterry.26 you deserve every accolade you get over the next weeks and beyond and I hope you get what you deserve and lift two massive trophies at the end of the season(just to add to the tally 😂). Whatever you do next I know everyone will respect your decision and I know that the Chels will always be your club. Absolute respect 💙💙👊👊#jt #captain #leader #legend

A post shared by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on

Twitter was full of praise for the veteran’s achievements, who has won 14 major titles with Chelsea.