Captain
John Terry received a rousing reception and a guard of honour from
team-mates on his final appearance for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as he was
substituted on Sunday.
The 36-year-old former England captain appeared for the Blues for the 717th
time, starting in the Premier League for the sixth time this season. It was
his 580th game as captain of the team.Th
The defender started against relegated Sunderland as the Premier League
champions went in search of a record 30th win of the season, but came off
midway through the first half.
The timing of his pre-planned substitution was significant - Terry wears the
number 26 shirt - but it came when the clock clicked on to 26 minutes, so
happened in the 27th minute.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford obligingly kicked the ball out and an
emotional Terry took his time, embracing his team-mates, who then lined up
to form the guard of honour.
Terry handed over the captain's armband to his replacement Gary Cahill,
Chelsea's on-field captain for much of this season, as head coach Antonio
Conte looked towards next Saturday's FA Cup final with Arsenal.
Terry, for the fifth time, and Cahill were set to lift the Premier League
trophy after the Sunderland clash.
The reception was rousing as Chelsea supporters and owner Roman Abramovich
applauded the talisman.
Chelsea fans sang "One England captain" and "He's won it all" when the match
resumed.
Terry had a blocked shot after 19 minutes as he was eager to mark his
swansong with a goal.
Cahill had been warming up since Willian's equaliser. And Chelsea assistant
boss Steve Holland, who is also leaving this summer to take on a full-time
role with England, told fourth official Roger East of the intention to
substitute Terry.
Terry then took his leave from the pitch he has known as 'home' for his
entire playing career.
Sunderland were also the opponents when Terry lifted the Premier League
trophy two years ago, after he played every minute of all 38 games.
Terry has been more peripheral this season, contributing to his announcement
last month that he would be leaving Chelsea after 22 years and 15 major
trophies. A 16th trophy could follow at Wembley, where he could yet make a
718th appearance.
The defender made his first league start since September against Watford in
last Monday's 4-3 win, scoring his 67th goal to net in the Premier League
for a 17th successive season.
He retained his place in the starting line-up as Conte balanced sentiment
with preparations for Wembley, where he will seek to complete the double.
Terry led Chelsea through a guard of honour from Sunderland, walking out on
to the Stamford Bridge playing surface with son Georgie and daughter Summer.
The twins celebrated their 11th birthdays this week.
His family will be a major consideration over what happens next, with
Bournemouth, Swansea and West Brom among those interested in signing a
player who is likely to have no shortage of lucrative offers from abroad.
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