Chelsea have confirmed that captain John Terry will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old made his first appearance for the Blues in 1998 after progressing through the club’s youth ranks, and has gone on to make 713 appearances, winning the Champions League, four Premier League titles, the Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups with the club.
But the former England captain will not see out his career at his boyhood club after confirming that he will move on in the summer transfer window.
“After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club,” Terry said in a statement. “From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you enough. There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the coming weeks.
" I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season."
“I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me. I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware.
 
“Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and our amazing Chelsea fans," Terry added. "I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable support you've shown me over the years. You mean the world to me and every trophy we've won during my time at the club we've won together. I will never forget the incredible journey we've been on. Thank you so much for everything.”
Chelsea have intimated that Terry will likely return to Stamford Bridge following his playing career in a coaching or ambassadorial capacity.