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FOOTBALL: Terry considers retiring at the end of season

Chelsea captain will leave the club in the summer

Tuesday, 16th May 2017

Chelsea's John Terry. ©Reuters/Hannah McKay Livepic

Chelsea captain John Terry is assessing whether to retire from football after the Premier League champions' final game of the season against Sunderland on Sunday.

The former England captain led Chelsea to a 4-3 win over Watford at Stamford Bridge last night.

The 36-year-old, who will leave the Blues in the summer, scored the opening goal on a night of celebration.

Chelsea host Sunderland on Sunday in their final league game of the season.

"I've not ruled out Sunday being my last game and retiring from football," he told Britain’s Sky Sports after the match.

"If the right offer comes along I will sit down and consider it with my family - whether that's here or abroad.

"Genuinely I haven't made any decisions yet and I'm evaluating all my options at the moment."

‘Great man’

Terry announced last month he will leave Stamford Bridge after more than two decades at the club.

The central defender, who has played more than 700 times for Chelsea – the club he joined as a 14-year-old schoolboy – said adjusting to a bit-part role this season had been hard, but credited manager Antonio Conte with helping to ease the transition.

During his time he has become the Blues’ most decorated player, with the latest title triumph his fifth.

He has also helped them win five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

Of his appearances, 579 of them have been as captain.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte paid tribute to the player's influence.

"He is a great man. He helped me a lot in my first season. He had a fantastic role on and off the pitch," said the Italian.

"Against Watford he showed he can continue to play. I'm pleased for him, he scored a great goal.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him lift the cup on Sunday. He deserves this."