Terry gives emotional possible final Chelsea speech

Matt Stead

John Terry’s future remains unclear after the captain hinted he wishes to negotiate the contract extension he has been offered by Chelsea.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich on Sunday welcomed Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri as a champion and gleefully applauded as Terry spoke of his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The 35-year-old captain, suspended for the season-concluding 1-1 draw with Ranieri’s champions, was serenaded by fans as he bade a potential goodbye after 703 appearances since his debut in October 1998.

The supporters sang “John Terry, we want you to stay”.

Terry, who was thrown aloft by his team-mates on a lap of appreciation following the match and his speech, said: “We all want the same thing.

“I’ve said for a very long time I want to be here for the rest of my career. I want to finish my career here.

“We’ll have a few days and we’ll be speaking to the club. Listen, I want to stay. The club knows that, the fans know that.”

Terry, whose current contract expires on June 30, in January said he would be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season. The club insisted an offer may be forthcoming and it arrived last week.

The defender said it was for a “different role”, hinting at reduced terms and without guarantees of a first-team place under incoming head coach Antonio Conte.

Terry endeared himself yet further to supporters when congratulating Leicester and Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes boss and his former manager, on their title success.

“I’m delighted Leicester have won it and I’m just glad Tottenham haven’t,” Terry added.

He also thanked Guus Hiddink, whose second spell as Chelsea interim boss – following the December sacking of Jose Mourinho after a defeat at Leicester – came to a close after the match.

“He’s picked us up,” Terry said.