John Terry To Depart Chelsea In Summer

Terry said the incoming manager may be able to reverse the decision, while Chelsea suggested a contract offer could be forthcoming.

Terry has been linked with big money moves to the MLS, the middle east and China, and it would be a remarkable change of mind for him to stay at Chelsea for a 19th season. “It will be elsewhere for sure”, said Terry.

High: Wins Barclays Premier League with Chelsea in the 2014/15 season. The 30-year-old described the conversation as “positive” but reiterated that he can not endure a long spell out of Chelsea’s starting XI.

“From all the stuff that came out [in the Reuters report] I would say that I want to be at the club – I signed a four-year contract a couple of months ago, so that shows I want to be here”.

“On the other hand, I don’t want to over-value the attention we are giving this”. However, beating second-tier MK Dons 5-1 on Sunday in the FA Cup was the latest indication of a recovery under Hiddink. The club will move on. When you lose these kind of players, you have to replace them, but I don’t know how John can be replaced.

John Terry dropped a bombshell to Chelsea supporters by announcing publicly that he meant to leave Chelsea in the summer. “The club has the utmost respect for John and everything he has helped us achieve to date”. I think they still want to have the dialogue to have an open door.

“But ultimately, I feel like I need to play football matches”. He is still at a top level.

“His performances have been consistent”.

The final day of the transfer window was dominated by Chelsea attempting to offload two strikers, in the form of Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy, though at the time of writing both players remain contracted to the club.

Chelsea issued a statement saying there was still some chance Terry could be back next season. It was a bit surprising, but he’s entitled to do so.

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

The 35-year-old had been hoping to secure a 12-month extension but was informed by the club of their decision prior to last week’s win at Arsenal.

He was even substituted at half-time during a defeat at Premier League rivals Manchester City in August.

The Blues won the Premier League and League Cup titles previous year, but a stunningly-slow start to their 2015-16 campaign resulted in manager Jose Mourinho getting fired and major shake-ups to the starting lineup.

Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson added: “For most of his career at Chelsea, anyone could play with him, he was that good”.