That’s it, then.
John Terry’s Chelsea career came to an end on Sunday afternoon. After 717 appearances for the London club, Terry bowed out in the 26th minute of Chelsea’s game against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The former England captain leaves Chelsea after 22 years, 19 of those in the first team, and after winning every trophy available.
He might not be everyone’s favourite footballer, but there’s no denying Terry has been one of the best defenders to grace the Premier League.
As such, he has probably earned the right to bow out on his own terms – even if that means a mid-game guard of honour and choosing when you’re substituted.
*pretends to be shocked* pic.twitter.com/S9Hy4DQjID
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) May 21, 2017
Terry left the pitch against Sunderland in the 26th minute (as that’s his shirt number and he’s Chelsea’s captain, leader, legend).
He embraced his teammates, who then formed a guard of honour on the side of the pitch. Terry hugged them all, and the Chelsea staff and substitutes on the bench, while the Stamford Bridge crowd saluted the 36-year-old.
Here’s how it happened:
But the reaction to Terry’s final bow wasn’t universally popular. Some, including BBC pundit Garth Crooks, were critical of the fact that it appeared to be staged.
"This isn't Hollywood – it's a Premier League fixture!"
Not everyone is impressed with Chelsea's send-off for John Terry. #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/VTgpQbLUxt
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 21, 2017
Modern day football…. Absolutely embarrassing #chevsafc #johnterry #safc pic.twitter.com/UBmIPOvNHA
— Chris (@durhamchris1983) May 21, 2017
😕 John Terry being subbed off on the 26th minute and given a guard of honour halfway through the game
Embarrassing!#CHESUN pic.twitter.com/eqd3G6MD2I
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) May 21, 2017
This is one of the most embarrassing things I've ever seen in football. Chelsea tell SAFC to kick ball out so they can sub Terry on 26 mins
— A LOVE SUPREME (@ALS_Fanzine) May 21, 2017
I'm hearing that the 26th minute substitution of John Terry was the captain's own idea. Antonio Conte happy to go along wit it.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) May 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/johnbyrne1878/status/866321589679386625
https://twitter.com/Danprout1998/status/866303853679038464
Did John Terry really get subbed on the 26th minute? 😂
— Sophie Atkinson (@SophieAtk) May 21, 2017
