Top of the
table Chelsea have announced that long serving captain John Terry will be
leaving at the end of the season.
The former
England international joined the youth ranks of the Blues back in 1995 and has
enjoyed a successful career at Stamford Bridge.
The
36-year-old has won four EPL titles , five FA Cups, three League Cups, one UCL
and one Europa league trophy. Terry has made 713 appearances for Chelsea and
578 of those with the captain armband.
Terry told
Chelsea’s official website: “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. There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the
coming weeks.
“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.
“Finally,
words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and our amazing
Chelsea 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.’
Chelsea
director Marina Granovskaia added: “Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on
record our thanks to John for all he has done for this football club. He has
been an outstanding player, inspirational captain and has always 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.
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