5 possible destinations for Chelsea captain John Terry next season

Where can John Terry go if he is not offered a new contract at Chelsea?Chelsea captain John Terry created headlines when he revealed that he will be departing Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. The Blues legend who has played almost 18 seasons for the London club has not yet been offered a new contract and looks all set for an emotional farewell from his beloved club at the end of this season.The Chelsea hierarchy, however, insisted that Terry’s departure was not yet confirmed and he might as well end up staying for another season. Although 35, Terry still has a couple of good seasons left in his legs and the Blues’ fans will be hoping that their legendary captain will extend his stay.With many clubs interested in securing Terry's services, we look at the top five possible destinations where the English centre-back could be playing next season.

#5 Inter Milan - Serie A

Roberto Mancini has long been a huge fan of John Terry. The former Manchester City manager who came up against Terry plenty of times in the Premier League reportedly try to lure Terry to the Etihad on more than one occasion.

Now in charge of Inter Milan, Mancini is looking to assemble a squad capable of winning the Serie A. Inter have shown they are not shy of signing veteran defenders from the Premier League with the signing of Vidic although it did not work out too well for the Serbian at Inter.

Terry who has the defensive nous to still remain competitive can be a valuable addition to the Serie A giants. His experience in winning major trophies is said to be one of the most important reasons Inter chairman Erick Tohir is willing to finance a big-money deal for the English center-back.

#4 Al Arabi - Qatar

Gianfranco Zola, manager of Qatari club Al Arabi has revealed an ambitious desire to secure the services of former team-mate John Terry. The move which might see Terry become the best-paid footballer in the world would largely enhance the reputation of the middle-eastern league.

Former Blues’ fan favourite Zola was quoted as saying:

“I have played with John Terry and know his qualities. He is a brilliant defender with a wonderful understanding of the game.”

“Terry is still a top, top player and would enhance the balance of any team. I will try my best to convince him of the project here and get him to Al Arabi where we can achieve great things together.”

Middle eastern clubs have previously offered to sign players of the class of Pirlo and Gerrard before but have not managed to convince them with their most high-profile player in recent times being Spanish footballer Raul who played for Al Saad.

#3 Chelsea - Premier League

john terry — The Blues’ skipper might yet end up staying at Chelsea

The legendary captain might yet end up staying at his beloved Chelsea in a move which will definitely please the Stamford Bridge faithful. Immediately after Terry dropped the bombshell saying he would most likely leave at the end of the season, a club representative came out to say that Terry leaving the club was not a foregone conclusion.

A spokesperson from the club spoke to ESPN FC saying, “John requested a meeting with the club the week before last”.

“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.”

John Terry who has previously expressed a wish to retire at Chelsea might still get a chance to have a fairytale retirement at his boyhood club.

#2 Guangzhou Evergrande - Chinese Super League

terry china — John Terry’s visit to China was a huge success

Reports coming through have suggested that the Chelsea captain has already received the chance for one last pay day in the Chinese Super League. Terry who drew in huge crowds when he went on a one-man ambassadorial trip is said to be seriously considering following the footsteps of his former Chelsea team-mates Ramires, Drogba and Anelka by making a move to the cash-rich Chinese Super League.

Guangzhou’s current boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is a known admirer of John Terry and had this to say about the defender:

"For John Terry dying on the field would be glory. You would need to kill him and maybe even then he could still play."

Terry has reportedly already received many offers from the Chinese Super League with Luiz Scolari’s team being the favourites to land the centre-back who is keen to play a couple of more years before retiring.

#1 New York City FC - MLS

lampard new york city fc — Will the two Chelsea legends Terry and Lampard play together again?

One thing John Terry seemed absolutely certain of when he announced his decision to leave was that he won’t be playing for another English club if he does leave Chelsea. "I couldn't do that to the Chelsea fans. I couldn't play for another Premier League club. It will be elsewhere for sure. I don't know where, and I leave that to the people in charge of me."

With great English footballers like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole making the move in recent times, the MLS looks to be the most likely destination where the centre-back will be ending his career.

Should Terry choose to move to New York City FC he will be joining some truly illustrious names such as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. Another positive for the MLS side is that Terry’s family will also be happy with a move to the big apple and this might play a major role in the final decision taken by the defender at the end of this season.

Edited by Staff Editor