
Chelsea
have confirmed that John Terry will leave the club at the end of the season.
Terry has been at Stamford Bridge for more than two decades and played 713
times for the Blues since his debut in 1998.
He currently stands third in the club's list of all-time appearance makers
and holds the record for captaining Chelsea, something Terry has done on 578
occasions.
Terry's playing time under Antonio Conte has been more sporadic but he will
have the chance to help Chelsea win a fifth Premier League title before
leaving in the summer.
The 36-year-old has also won the FA Cup five times, three League Cups, the
Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League a year later.
Terry was also a regular in the England side, winning 78 caps and skippering
the side on 34 occasions.
He said on the club's website: "After 22 years there is so much to say and
so many people to thank at this great football club.
"From coaches, team-mates 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.
"I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to
helping the team achieve success this season.
"The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will
continue beyond my playing days. We had some really positive talks but with
everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it's the right
time for me to leave.
"I've always been conscious that I depart at the right time, in the right
way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right time for the club
and I. I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that
opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me.
"I'm eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new
challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my
final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware.
"Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and
our amazing Chelsea fans. I would like to thank each and every one of you
from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable support you've shown me
over the years.
"You mean the world to me and every trophy we've won during my time at the
club we've won together. I will never forget the incredible journey we've
been on. Thank you so much for everything."