John Terry’s Chelsea Career Deserved so Much More Than to Go out with a Whimper

Guus Hiddink summed up the mood of every Chelsea fan on Saturday.

“If he doesn’t play for Chelsea again, it is sad,” the interim boss said. Hiddink was referring to John Terry, whose red card in the 3-2 loss to Sunderland was potentially the last action of his Chelsea career.

Terry revealed in January that he wouldn’t be offered a new contract to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this season. The club contradicted that notion by suggesting any decision wouldn’t be made until a new manager was appointed. Well, they have one in Antonio Conte, and a lack of movement since the announcement of his appointment in early April suggests Terry’s assertion was correct.

As the red card against Sunderland was his second of the season, it means Terry’s Chelsea career is ending with a whimper. Chelsea have two games remaining, and he’ll be suspended for both. Barring a dramatic change of heart from the club’s hierarchy, it’s safe to say we will not see him line up for the Blues again.

A player of his stature deserves so much more. Terry should be on the pitch against Leicester City on Sunday, soaking up an atmosphere and occasion created in his honour. Like Didier Drogba last season, Terry should be afforded a king’s lift off the pitch to celebrate all he has done for the club.

There will be a guard of honour for the newly crowned champions Leicester, and it’s one that should be followed with another for Terry.

Players of his ilk are a rare breed. His loyalty stands for plenty in the modern game, yet it’s what he achieved for his club in the process that counts for so much.

Terry hasn’t been a passenger at Chelsea. He’s been one of the biggest names at a time when money and prestige have come to define the west London club. With all the lavish spending we’ve seen at Stamford Bridge since 2003, it’s been one of their own who …

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