John Terry to leave Chelsea at end of season

And interim manager Hiddink insisted the door is still open for captain Terry to win a new deal at Stamford Bridge, despite being told there is now no extension on the table.

Asked about the timing of Terry’s announcement on Sunday in wake of the club’s 5-1 FA Cup annihilation of MK Dons, Hiddink said: “It was a bit surprising, but it’s entirely up to him to do so”.

The 35-year-old has been with the club since 1995 and is one of Chelsea‘s most decorated players, winning four Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League with the Blues.

Terry said the incoming manager may be able to reverse the decision, while Chelsea suggested a contract offer could be forthcoming and “the channels of dialogue (remained) open” – something Hiddink repeated on Tuesday.

Chelsea have their sights set on former Arsenal captain and current Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen as a potential replacement for John Terry, after it was revealed that the Blues are not planning to offer Terry a new deal.

Terry added that he doesn’t see himself signing up with another Premier League club. “No specific decision was made yet”.

Terry played the full 90 minutes on Sunday and is expected to lead the team out as usual when they face Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Terry’s star has waned at Chelsea from last season, when he was a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s first Premier League title in five years.

John Terry has announced he will be leaving Chelsea this summer, saying: “It’s not going to be a fairytale ending”.

“I realise sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t, but it’s very important for me to play football matches”.

‘He is fit and performing, ‘ Hiddink said.

Former Chelsea skipper Ray Wilkins told Sky Sports: “He will be a tremendous loss to Chelsea and I think there was another year left in him”. “I can’t say at this moment [if Falcao will still move to China]”. “If he wants to play longer, I am sure he will play for Chelsea”.

However, lagging behind US-based clubs is Chinese Super League giant Guangzhou Evergrande, who is believed to be a contender for Terry’s signature.

“I want to come back as a Chelsea supporter in years to come with my kids and see the team doing great”.