Terry tells Chelsea fans he wants to stay

Yet the club’s greatest idol stopped short of confirming that he would be taking up Chelsea’s new one-year contract offer, revealed on Friday, which is believed to feature a pay cut and what Terry himself calls a “different role”. 

Terry was suspended for Chelsea’s final game of the season, a 1-1 draw with champions Leicester City but, with club owner Roman Abramovich watching from the stands, took the microphone to talk to the fans. 

“We all want the same,” Terry said. “I’ve said for a long time I want to finish my career here. I’ll be speaking to the club over the next few days. I want to stay, the club knows that, the fans know that. I want to stay.” 

The 35-year-old’s eyes then began to well up as the fans interrupted him to chant: “John Terry, we want you to stay!” 

It led Terry to continue in what also felt a little like a farewell address. 

“On a personal note I’d like to thank everyone,” he said. “This season has been tough for me, very emotional, so thank you for the support. 

“Chelsea is my life, as it is yours. The best moments of my life have been in this stadium. You’ve been a big part of that,” he added.