Chelsea legend John Terry. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chelsea legend John Terry has reportedly received a one-year contract extension from the Stamford Bridge giants after he signed the new deal on Wednesday.
The Blues' 35-year-old team skipper is expected to leave Chelsea this summer as his contract was coming to an end.
Terry said in January that a "fairy-tale ending" is not happening for him with the club he had known all throughout his 18-year senior career as he was not offered an extension, although he admitted that he still wants to play for Chelsea until he retires.
After months of waiting, the former England national team captain finally got his wish with a late offer from club director Marina Granovskaia and chairman Bruce Buck for him to continue to don the Chelsea jersey in 2016-2017.
"I am delighted to sign a new contract with the club. Everyone knows I'm Chelsea through and through," said Terry in a statement, as per Caught Offside. "I am looking forward to next season under the new manager and hopefully we can make it a successful one. Also, a special mention to the fans for their continued support. You're the best in the world."
However, ESPN reported that Terry had to accept a significant pay cut and a lesser role in incoming manager Antonio Conte's system, which means he may no longer be a regular part of the Blues' starting eleven under the Italian coach's regime.
Terry allegedly agreed to a £90,000 a week pay cut to stay at the Stamford Bridge, which saw his former £140,000 weekly wage drop to £50,000 from here on.
Earlier this year, he was offered a massive salary to get his act to the Chinese Super League and a lot of his former teammates and peers have encouraged him to take the "life-changing" pay as he prepares himself for retirement.
While Terry briefly considered the offer, it was evident that his heart is still to stay in England, preferably to the team he had been with since he was 14 years old.
"We are delighted John will spend another year at the club. He has been the leader of the Chelsea squad throughout the most successful period in our history," said Buck. "He recently reached the 700-appearance mark, which is a testament to his professionalism and dedication as well as his undoubted talent."
