When you think of Chelsea FC, you think of John Terry.
Alongside Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, he was a vital part of the spine of that success-ridden Jose Mourinho team.
Terry was the leader amongst Mourinho’s squad of leaders and the most influential part of the dressing room.
(Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC Via Getty Images)
But even before Mourinho’s arrival, Terry had been named Player of the Year in 2001, despite playing only 26 times.
He won the FA Cup in just his second season at the club, and went onto win the famous trophy another four times.
Even more impressive is that Terry won the Premier League title five times in his 22 years at Chelsea.
He worked under numerous managers, and still remained the beating heart of the Blues.
He was a stalwart in Chelsea’s Champions League and Europe League wins, despite missing the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
(Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
And Terry’s on-field displays didn’t go unnoticed in the wider footballing world as he was named in FIFA’s World XI on five occasions.
He played 717 times for Chelsea, and captained the side over 500 times – a record for the club.
Terry showed his footballing abilities despite losing much of his pace in the twilight of his career as he nearly helped Aston Villa reach promotion from the Championship only to falter in the Play-off final.
So here’s how Chelsea fans reacted to the announcement of Terry’s retirement:
CAPTAIN LEADER LEGEND 💙
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) October 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChelsFutbol/status/1049018429154492417
Leader. pic.twitter.com/dvyZB6R3Bx
— ᴺᴷ7 (@NGoloFC) October 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/SarriballEra/status/1049031219982290944
Testimonial match at the bridge needed #CaptainLeaderLegend
— Klara (@SwiftAzpi) October 7, 2018
I told a young John Terry at a reserve game at Kingstonians that he would one day captain Chelsea & some
5 Premier League
5 FA Cup
3 League Cup
Champions League
Europa League
759 career games
42 career goals later that prediction turned out okay, happy retirement JT #Chelsea #JT pic.twitter.com/xaGixABCNX— Andy H (@ChelsLad66) October 7, 2018
And Terry’s teammates also took to Twitter to thank him for the impact he had on their careers:
https://twitter.com/didierdrogba/status/1049046002143977473
Congratulations on your amazing career John Terry. I’m lucky to have shared a lot of memories and I will be always grateful for everything I have learned from you, a true leader and a legend of @ChelseaFC and football. I wish you all the best in your next chapter. #JT26 💙 pic.twitter.com/SKngXAvg7E
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) October 7, 2018
A servant of the game, you gave yourself to club and country and captained those around you to be the best they can be. Good luck in retirement John Terry thank you for all you have given to football ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nT7a4tp8Hn
— Patrick van Aanholt (@pvanaanholt) October 7, 2018