John
Terry says rival fans who hate him would secretly love to have him in their
team.
The Chelsea captain, 34, is a regular target for abuse following several
off-field controversies, but having won four Premier League titles, five FA
Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League in 17 years
at Stamford Bridge, he believes other fans are jealous.
"I'm sure that if I was in their team they would love me because I am one of
those players who gives everything to the cause," he said.
You hope that when you hang up your boots, you don't want to be hated, you
just want to be thought of as a very good footballer and someone who gave
everything for their club.
"But I thrive on that and use it in a positive way. I certainly don't try to
block it out. I use it to my advantage because nine times out of 10 if I can
stay focused we are going to come out as winners.
"When you walk off the pitch having done your job and done it the right way
and go off with three points, there is not much more to say.
"You hope that when you hang up your boots, you don't want to be hated, you
just want to be thought of as a very good footballer and someone who gave
everything for their club.
"Regardless of what people say, you can't take away what I have won and done
in the game.
"As a person and player that's for anyone who has met me. Anyone who has not
met me shouldn't be judging me and questioning my character.
"Football-wise they have had an opportunity to see me play and if you are a
football person you can make a judgement on whether I'm a good player or
not.
"But it all comes down to trophies I've won and at the end of my career I
will look back and will be very, very proud of what I achieved if it
finished tomorrow."
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