John Terry has had an incredible career for Chelsea and the club captain has bowed out in an emotional way. Terry was fittingly subbed off in the 26th minute and received a guard of honor from his teammates.
It was confirmed last month that Terry's contract at Stamford Bridge wasn't going to be renewed so, unlike last season when that was the case but he earned a late reprieve from Antonio Conte, it is his last season as a Chelsea player.
Advert
Terry with his two kids as mascots. Image: PA
Terry will go out lifting the Premier League trophy this afternoon and for the final time he led the team out onto the pitch, with fans waving flags and banners in tribute to their most successful player.
Banners everywhere for John Terry today.
Terry couldn't keep a clean sheet on his last game at the 'Bridge' as relegated Sunderland took a very surprising early lead through Javier Manquillo's goal after Sebastian Larsson's free kick was deflected to the Spaniard.
Advert
On 26 minutes though the 36 year old centre-back was subbed off. It was clearly a premeditated decision with the former England captain famously wearing 26 on his shirt throughout his career.
Terry was met with a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates wished him an emotional farewell with a guard of honour:
(Credit: Twitter)
Advert
But maybe the gesture wasn't as emotional and sentimental as first thought...
At full-time he will no doubt return to join Gary Cahill in lifting the title. Terry is Chelsea's most successful player in the Premier League winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.
He could yet win another FA Cup next Saturday against Arsenal.
Featured Image Credit:
