Terry leaving Chelsea at season's end after 22 years with club
John Terry's association with Chelsea will come to an end at the conclusion of the season after a joint statement confirmed that the club's captain will leave after 22 years with the Blues.
The 36-year-old will end his Chelsea career with the third-most appearances in club history after featuring in over 700 matches.
Although opportunities under manager Antonio Conte have been limited this term, Terry is motivated to continue his playing career beyond this season.
But first, he is hoping to add to his trophy collection and inspire Chelsea from the sidelines as the club attempts to capture its fifth Premier League crown with Terry in the fold.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
"After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club," he said. "From coaches, teammates 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.
Related - Terry delivers heartfelt goodbye to Chelsea: I'll always be a Blue
"I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season."
Terry made his Chelsea debut as a 17-year-old during a League Cup encounter with Aston Villa in 1998. He was shipped off to Nottingham Forest for a brief loan spell in 2000 before emerging as a first-team regular during the 2000-01 campaign when he started 23 matches.
Terry captained Chelsea for the first time in December 2001 and eventually set the standard by appearing in a club-record 578 matches with the captain's arm band.
"Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done for this football club," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. "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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Both Terry and the club revealed that he will likely return to Chelsea once his playing career is over.
The centre-back, who won 78 caps with England, is expected to follow in the footsteps of fellow Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who made the switch to Major League Soccer in 2015 before retiring earlier this year. Despite being linked with the LA Galaxy, a move across the pond could be scuppered, as reports suggest he will be unable to command a Designated Player contract with an MLS team because of his advanced age.
Terry's illustrious career has seen him hoist the sport's biggest trophies after helping Chelsea capture the Champions League and Europa League titles, as well as winning the Premier League four times.
He'll be eager for more silverware as Chelsea holds a four-point edge atop the Premier League table with six matches remaining. The Blues are also in the hunt to win the FA Cup for the first time 2012.