No fans like to see club legends pushed out the door, hence the backlash at Florentino Perez when Iker Casillas was forced to leave; nonetheless, hope still remains for John Terry at Chelsea.
The Blues captain revealed after Sunday’s 5-1 win over MK Dons in the FA Cup that his long relationship with the London giants, one which has spanned over 21 years, could be reaching its end, as request for a contract extension was turned down by the club.
"They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change," the former Three Lions center-back revealed after the final whistle. "It's a 'no' at the minute."
Captain, Leader, Legend, Leaving. John Terry, talking at stadium mk now, says #cfc are not renewing his contract.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 31, 2016
John Terry confirms post-match he is not having his contract renewed by #CFC. End of an era...
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) January 31, 2016
John Terry stands fifth on the all time list of most games played for one club. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/pLUMTY0FtF
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) January 31, 2016
"It's not going to be a fairytale ending. I'm not going to retire at Chelsea, which it took me a couple of days to get over."
The 35-year-old English insisted that “the club will move on” by recruiting one or two world-class players to replace him, as any on Twitter questioned Chelsea’s decision not to renew his contract.
John Terry was reduced to tears when he was told that his contract wasn't going to be renewed. (Sky Sports) #CFC pic.twitter.com/1xANSEWqsv
— BPLZone (@BPLZone) January 31, 2016
The PL will lose one of their last iconic players once John Terry leaves this summer. Well played and congrats on a wonderful career
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) January 31, 2016
Surprised at the news that John Terry is leaving Chelsea. He embodies most successful period in club's history. Club should draw on that.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) January 31, 2016
Love him or loathe him, John Terry's been a fantastic player & leader for Chelsea.
Met him a few times recently, liked him very much.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 31, 2016
John Terry: "I couldn't play for another Premier League club. It will be elsewhere for sure." #UCL pic.twitter.com/m9L9RZqkg6
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 31, 2016
John Terry has put everything into Chelsea from day one. It's poor how they've denied him the chance to retire at the club he loves
— Kirky (@kirky0110) January 31, 2016
However, shortly after John Terry’s bombshell, a spokesperson for the reigning English Premier League champions revealed that a new deal has not yet been ruled out, as the “channels of dialogue” remain “open” over a renewal.
"John requested a meeting with the club the week before last," said the spokesman.
"In that meeting he asked about the possibility of an extension to his existing contract.
"John was advised that while no new deal was currently on the table, that situation could change in the coming months. The club has the utmost respect for John and everything he has helped us achieve to date.
"He is a fantastic servant of Chelsea Football Club and a superb captain and, as such, the club will keep the channels of dialogue open."
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