Chelsea legend John Terry to bid adieu to club
Chelsea's longest-serving defender and the Blues legendary captain John Terry is set to part ways with the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to a 22-year-long association. Chelsea FC released a statement announcing the mutual decision, "John Terry and Chelsea Football Club today jointly announce our captain will leave the club at the end of the season."
John Terry, the "one club man"
John Terry joined the Chelsea's youth ranks as a 14-year-old in 1995 and made his first-team debut in a 1998 League Cup match. Apart from his 6 loan appearances for Nottingham Forest in 2000, Terry spent most of his career at Stamford Bridge. The former England captain made a total of 713 appearances for the Chelsea and scored 66 goals for them.
Achievements and titles with Chelsea
Terry has been an integral part of Chelsea's success ever since the club's resurgence in 2003 post Roman Abramovich's takeover. He was made the captain in 2004 and won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups with the club. Terry also won the 2013 Europa League and lifted the 2012 Champions League trophy despite missing Chelsea's final against Bayern Munich.
Carlo Ancelotti on Terry
In his autobiography, former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said this about JT: " John Terry is the captain of all team captains, he was born with the captain's armband on his arm...Being part of this club (Chelsea) is his mission, that's how he was made."
I'll always be a Blue : Terry
Speaking about his departure from Stamford Bridge Terry said, "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..I can't thank you enough." "I will always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware."
The end of an era
John Terry leaving Chelsea marks the end of an era, with him being the last link to club's greatest generation. He formed crucial part of Chelsea's spine that had the likes of goalkeeper Petr Cech, full-back Ashley Cole, midfielder Frank Lampard, and the indomitable striker Didier Drogba. It would be fitting for him to depart on a winning note i.e., the Premier League title.
