Transfer news: Chelsea's John Terry could play in US or China amid impending club exit
Chelsea captain John Terry could end his career with the Blues at the end of the season, sparking rumours about the veteran’s next destination.
Terry revealed that the 2015-2016 season will be his last with Chelsea FC after the club decided not to renew his one-year contract extension last year. The 35-year-old defender made his announcement following Chelsea’s 5-1 destruction of Milton Keynes Dons FC in the fourth-round of the FA Cup at Stadium MK.
“It’s not going to be a fairytale ending, I’m not going to retire at Chelsea,” Terry said, reports the Mirror. “Ideally I would have loved to stay, but the club’s moving in a different direction. It’s going to be my last year and I want to go out at the top.”
Terry’s departure has sparked speculations about his future in football. According to Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph, there would be lucrative offers waiting for Terry outside the Premier League, including football leagues in the United States and China.
However, lagging behind US-based clubs is Chinese Super League giant Guangzhou Evergrande, who is believed to be a contender for Terry’s signature. Chinese clubs have been flexing their muscles in signing international players during the January transfer, and Terry could opt to follow the trend if one of the CSL teams offer a lucrative deal that lured his former Chelsea teammate Ramires to play for Jiangsu Suning FC.
Wouldn't be surprised to see John Terry play in China, after his 'personal tour' there last year & would also allow him to do Xmas Euro loan
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) January 31, 2016
However, there is still a slight chance Terry would remain with the Blues until next year, according to one of the club’s spokesman.
"John requested a meeting with the club the week before last. In that meeting he asked about the possibility of an extension to his existing contract,” the spokesman said. "John was advised that while no new deal was currently on the table, that situation could change in the coming months.”
Terry joined Chelsea at the age of 14 and spent a total of 21 years playing for the club. He has won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, a Champions League, and a Europa League title with Chelsea, and holds a special record with the club, being the highest scoring defender in EPL with 40 goals.
