An emotional John Terry played his last game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, but has vowed to make a return to Chelsea in the future.
The Blues skipper announced earlier this season that he would call time on his 22-year reign at the club this summer, bringing an end to one of the most successful spells in the history of English football. During his time at Chelsea Terry has collected five Premier League titles, the same number of FA Cups, three League Cups, a UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Having agreed with Antonio Conte that he would start the last game of the season at home to Sunderland and be replaced on 26 minutes, the number of his shirt, the 36-year-old was given a great ovation by the fans before watching his side deliver a 5-1 win. After the match he took to the microphone, clearly fighting with the tears as he made an emotional farewell.
“Today is one of the most difficult days of my life,” Terry said after paying tribute to coach Steve Holland who will also leave the club this summer. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with some unbelievable players and managers. I’m thankful to every single one of them. We all have to thank Roman Abramovich. I’d like to thank him and all the board. He’s the best owner in world football.
“I’d like to thank my wife and my kids for supporting me in this amazing journey I’ve had. You are the best supporters in the world, without a shadow of a doubt. You’ve given me everything. You picked me up when I was down, sung my name when I had a bad game and disappointed you. I’ll come back here one day, supporting the team for years to come.”
What Terry does next remains to be seen, but there remains a possibility he could be lining up against Chelsea next season if he decides to remain in the Premier League. In the meantime, he revealed he expects Conte to make at least five or six signings in the summer to build on the title win, and also to prepare for their return to European football and the Champions League.
