Captain, leader, legend, left! As of midnight John Terry was a former Chelsea player, something which is rather strange to say. However what will be even stranger is when he signs for a new club, which is what he's close to doing.
John Terry made his debut for Chelsea in the 1998/99, long before Chelsea were the super rich side winning Premier League titles. In fact in his first season as a full time first team player Chelsea finished sixth, below Ipswich and Leeds United.
In a 19 year career up to date the centre-back has only played one season away from Stamford Bridge, on loan to Nottingham Forest in the 1999/2000 season, the year that Chelsea spent £10 million on Chris Sutton, it's that long ago!
Terry and Lampard 15 years ago! Image: PA
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Since then the 36 year-old has become a bona fide legend at the club, leading them to five titles and playing over 700 times for the club, which makes his departure quite sad.
But he will not end his career as a one club player, Forest was on loan so I'm not really counting it, as, according to ESPN, he is set to join Aston Villa in the Championship on a one year deal.
Bruce can be very happy with his first signing of the summer. Image: PA
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Steve Bruce's side is expected to wrap up the deal sometime over the weekend after they beat competition from their city rivals Birmingham, as well as interest from other clubs, to his signature.
Interestingly the report says that Terry considered retirement and had no interest in signing for a Premier League club as he didn't want to come up against Chelsea, we look forward to the FA Cup third round draw!
Terry officially stopped being a Chelsea player at midnight and fans paid a final tribute to him:
700 appearances in a Chelsea shirt later it'll certainly be weird to see him in an Aston Villa kit!
Featured Image Credit:Topics: John Terry, Aston Villa, Chelsea
