Chelsea captain John Terry bid farewell to Stamford Bridge on his final appearance for the Blues and the 36-year-old has not been offered a new contract after 22-years with the club.
In an emotional post-match address, Terry bid farewell to the ground he has called home since 1995 and thanked the supporters, his team-mates, manager Antonio Conte and owner Roman Abramovich.
‘Today is one of the most difficult days of my life,’ an emotional Terry told the Stamford Bridge faithful.
‘I have been very fortunate to play with unbelievable players and managers in my career, thankful to every one of you. We all have to thank Roman Abramovich, I’d like to thank him and the board, the best in world football. He loves this club from the U8s up, year in year out, to give us best opportunity. On behalf of myself and the fans, thanks.
‘I’d like to thank my wife and kids for supporting me on this amazing journey I have had, I love you. Lastly you guys the fans, the best supporters in the world without a shadow of a doubt. You have given everything from the age of 14, picked me up when I was down, sung my name when I have had bad games and disappointed you.
‘Thank you will never be enough, but I will be back here one day, and I will always be supporting the team and players from the bottom of my heart.’
‘I couldn’t imagine this, you always wonder what this day would be like, I thought I would be alright but I have just melted.’
Terry was substituted in the 26th minute and received a guard of honour from his team-mates as he played his final game for the club he has represented for 22 years.
On his future, Terry added:
‘I’m going to have a few weeks off before deciding anything. Every ex-player says play as long as you can, it is great advice, I want to play, that is why I have called it a day at Chelsea. I didn’t want to stand in the way.