Tributes pour in as Terry signs one-year Blues deal

Following months of speculation about his future in the Premier League, Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

The defender joined the Blues at the age of 14, with the new agreement taking him into his 22nd year at the London club.

During that time the 35-year-old has made 703 appearances for the first team – with a club-record 570 of those as captain.

The ex-England international will now enter a new era with the team, with Italian Antonio Conte set to take charge at Stamford Bridge next season.

In a statement on the club’s website Terry said:

“I am delighted to sign a new contract with the club. Everyone knows I’m Chelsea through and through. I am looking forward to next season under the new manager and hopefully we can make it a successful one. Also, a special mention to the fans for their continued support. You’re the best in the world.”

And tributes were quick to pour in

GUUS HIDDINK

Interim manager, Chelsea

“We spoke about that already at the press conference. But I think he still, although 35 and normally people say a little bit goodbye, but I think he is still physically fit, mentally very fit. So he can contribute a lot I think whereever he wants to play.

“First of all I am happy that they are now in contact and that they are talking [Chelsea and John Terry]. It’s not good to make speculation. They are talking and I think it is good when both parties are starting to talk. Personally, I hope that they will manage to come to a solution, but that is my personal opinion. When they are talking then I don’t think I should speculate.”

DECO

Chelsea, 2008-10

“He’s a fantastic captain, a club legend and of course he deserves one year more. I think he can still play at a high level. He is a legend and important for the club and the young players.”

SOUNDBITE (English)

LEDLEY KING

Tottenham Hotspur, 1999-2012

“Right up there. Probably the best. Probably the most consistent. He’s had a tremendous career. A one club man. What I like is that no matter who has come in to the club, whatever players have signed he’s always been one of their most important players, if not the most important player in their team. So he’s had a terrific career. I’m sure he still feels that he’s got some football left in him. I don’t expect him to be retiring any time soon, but as I say, a tremendous player.”

CESC FABREGAS

“He has had a fantastic career for Chelsea. It is not easy nowadays to start your career somewhere and finish it [at the same club]. Very few players can say that, especially nowadays when everything is so tough and everyone demands so much from you. He has dealt with it very very well and won a lot of trophies so it is very, very good for him.”

ROBBIE SAVAGE

Leicester City, 1997-2002

“Where does John Terry rank? I think John Terry has been a fantastic captain for Chelsea. Won trophies. He’s lead by example on the field. Never been blessed with great pace, but his positional sense has been brilliant. You’ve got to say he is up there with the best centre-halves in the Premier League in terms of leadership qualities on the field. Rio Ferdinand for me is the best, [Nemanja] Vidic, Jaap Stam, Tony Adams. So he’d get in my top 10.”