When news broke that John Terry announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, Chelsea fans were heartbroken. Saddening news that is inevitable does not make it any easier to take.
Most fans expected that this would be the last season for John Terry at Chelsea. At age 36, and with only four Premier League appearances this season, he clearly did not have a playing place at Chelsea anymore.
None of this takes away from what Terry has given to this club in his time here. The reaction from pundits, footballers and fans show just how much of an impact he has made in English football.
"“He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club” – Frank Lampard"
Books could be written on John Terry. He epitomises everything about Chelsea. His spirit, passion, skill, ambition and the love he has for the club cemented his legendary status long ago.
He is, without a doubt, one of the best defenders of the Premier League era, if not the best. He led Chelsea to 14 major honours including four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two European trophies. He is by far the most successful captain in the club’s history. And despite what anyone says, his celebration in Munich – in full Chelsea kit – just adds to the relationship he has with the club. Who wants a captain that isn’t passionate enough to wear full kit under his clothes?
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Terry’s personal achievements with Chelsea add to his overall success. He has played 713 games for Chelsea, with 578 of those as captain. As recently as the 2014/15 season, he played every minute of every game. He ended that season with another Premier League title. And then there are his individual honours, such as being Chelsea’s Player of the Year twice and PFA Player of the Year once.
His skill gave him a deserved reputation of excellence. He was always willing to do whatever it took to get the three points. He even scored the occasional goal. His 66 goals make him the highest scoring defender in Premier League history.
Terry helped sculpt Chelsea’s defence and the team spirit that has been maintained at the club as other players come and go. Without a doubt, he set the high standards to which Chelsea’s defenders are still held.
There will never be another captain at Chelsea who can give what John Terry did. Even this season, his experience and leadership has been a large part of rallying the team. Gary Cahill has big boots to fill. At one time, his centre-back partnership with John Terry was strong. Hopefully, Terry has taught him all he needs to know.
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The statistics speak for themselves but no words will ever be enough to truly express how much John Terry has done for this club. Every fan will now be waiting for the inevitable day when he returns to Stamford Bridge in another capacity. John Terry is Chelsea. His blood is blue. Thank you for everything, captain, leader, legend.