John Terry, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has his hands full with offers from China and Qatar. But yesterday, Chelsea came calling with a new contract for the Englishman, who now has a tough choice to make. It was announced in the press conference that Terry has been offered a one-year contract extension after fans unanimously called out for it. They performed a protest on the 26th minute in their game against Liverpool at Anfield.
A Chelsea spokesperson was quoted saying, “With it coming so late in the season, this is a big decision for John and his family." Terry replied to this on his Instagram account and said, “Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes.” He also said: “The contract extension the club has offered me is a different role and I hope everyone will understand I want to take the time to consider it carefully before making a decision.”
Also read: Reports: John Terry hires Stamford Bridge to give himself farewell
For now, we can only speculate what that ‘different role’ can be. It could be a very reduced role at the club, with no guarantees as being a starter at the heart of defence or in a humbler offer he could take up the role of one of the coaches at the club at the end of the new contract.
Whatever be the role, it now puts pressure on Terry’s head, who has to decide between his offers from China and Qatar, who would be paying much more than Chelsea are possibly offering. Moreover, the offers from the far east are lengthier.
When asked about Terry, Hiddink said, “This man is rather fit. Talk to him and he says he was never the fastest, but he was always arriving in time. It’s not about age. He is mentally strong and also good for the younger people, let’s say the academy boys.”
The Chelsea captain reiterated his desire to stay at the English club this week and he is confident that he has at least a couple more years in him. “I still want to play for a couple more years, hopefully at Chelsea,” he said. “I’m a Chelsea player and Chelsea’s been my club from the age of 14. I love Chelsea.”
Chelsea will be managed by current Italy coach Antonio Conte next season. He would succeed Guus Hiddink, who took the post as interim manager after Jose Mourinho was sacked by the club in December after a horrid start to the season.
Terry was reduced to tears at the Chelsea player of the year awards after he received a tribute to his playing career, which he started at the club as a 14-year-old.
The ex-England captain has made 703 appearances for Chelsea in his career and has scored 40 league goals: A Premier League record for a defender. However, he will not be able to take part in the final game of the season against Champions Leicester City as he was suspended for receiving 2 yellow cards against Sunderland.
