Terry offered ‘different role’; what could it be?

Matt Stead

Chelsea captain John Terry is mulling over the offer of a one-year contract extension which includes “a different role” with the club.

His current deal expires on June 30 and it is by no means certain Terry will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

He met Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia and chairman Bruce Buck on Wednesday, with the offer tabled.

The former England skipper was close to tears when receiving his Special Recognition award at the clubs’ annual awards dinner at Stamford Bridge on Friday night in recognition of reaching 700 appearances for Chelsea this season.

Terry was clearly moved as tributes were made by a host of ex-Chelsea players, while Frank Lampard, now with New York City, hailed his former team-mate in his own tribute sent from the United States as one of the all-time best English defenders.

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“Seven hundred games, what an achievement,” said Lampard.

“For me it goes down as the greatest record, appearance-wise, by a Chelsea player.

“No disrespect to Ron Harris, who has the numbers record, I think in an era today where athletically and what the body can take, to play 700 games.

“Not only that, but to play in a team where competition was great for so many years, a team at the top of the (Premier) League and fighting in the Champions League, his consistency levels have put him out ahead of every defender in the Premier League era.

“John is the greatest Premier League defender without a doubt and one of the greatest English defenders there has ever been.”

Terry believes he can play on for one or two more years at the top level, but hinted that he would have to accept a reduced role next season under incoming head coach Antonio Conte. There is also a possibility the new role includes some coaching.

Terry wrote on Instagram: “Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes.

“The contract extension the club has offered me is a different role and I hope everyone will understand I want to take the time to consider it carefully before making a decision.”