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John Terry should reject offer and leave Chelsea FC

By Brendan McDonnell

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates with the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates with the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea FC club captain John Terry has finally been tendered an offer that will keep him at Stamford Bridge through next season. However, it’s time we part ways with defender.

With the news that John Terry has been offered a one-year extension, many Chelsea FC fans rejoiced as it appears the captain will lead the club for one more year as they attempt to regain their position atop the Premier League. Supporters across the world took to Facebook and Twitter overcome with joy about the news that Terry would man the back-line in 2016-2017.

I was not one of them. Sorry everyone. There are few athletes in this world that I have cheered for, respected, and defended more than our beloved Captain John Terry.  His resume is beyond comprehension: five FA Cups, four Premier League Titles, three League Cups, two European Cups and one captaincy.

With all of that said, it’s time to say good-bye. It is a tough pill to swallow but I think we need to come to grips with the notion that we should bid John Terry adieu.

The thing I keep hearing over social media is how having Terry back will provide a solid foundation for Antonio Conte, keep the locker room in check, and that his leadership will be invaluable. I hate to be a jerk here, but did you watch us this past season? Were you watching from August – January? The Chelsea squad was in shambles and was totally devoid of leadership.

Even more, if we do bring back Terry for another season, what does that mean for our captaincy going forward? Shortly, he’s going to leave and Chelsea will need a captain moving forward. Do we want to become Arsenal with a revolving door with the armband? Chelsea need a new captain and it should be one that will be around for the next few years.

Most importantly, are we even sure Terry is good on the pitch anymore? Sure he is serviceable, but does he belong in the Matt Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Sergio Ramos, and Diego Godin discussion? Hardly. Only a blind apologist wouldn’t trade the Englishman for one of those players.

If Chelsea are to get back to the heights that we expect (competing on the highest levels) we can only do so with a rock solid spine. Terry isn’t on that level anymore. At this moment, for things to get better both on and off the pitch, Chelsea must make very hard choices and this might be the hardest choice of them all.

Lastly, I have this unnerving fear that having Terry on a one-year contract will be far too akin to watching the 2015-2016 Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, over the past 15 years, being a Kobe fan and a John Terry fan have been remarkably similar. So much success and so much controversy, all wrapped up in an amazingly dedicated athlete.

Now, I’m not saying Stoke will put together a video package honoring Terry like Utah did for Kobe, but having Terry out there soaking in cheers after another mid-table finish seems too far beneath both Terry and Chelsea.

Next: Evaluating Chelsea FC’s rumoured transfer moves

John Terry deserves better. Chelsea deserves better. We supporters deserve better.

Thank you John Terry, I hope we get to miss you.

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