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After a 2012-13 season marred by controversial suspension, injury, an expiring contract, and Rafa Benitez, question marks were raised over John Terry's future at Chelsea. However, with the second coming of Jose Mourinho, our Captain, Leader, Legend has enjoyed two very strong seasons -- last season in particular being one of his career best, wherein he featured in every single minute of every single game of our title-winning season. As per club policy about players over 30 years of age, his performances were rewarded with back-to-back one-year contract extensions.
This season, not coincidentally Chelsea's worst league campaign in a long time, has also seen Terry become increasingly unable to cope with younger, faster opponents, leaving him relegated to the bench or substituted off early on several occasion. Against Leicester City on the weekend, with defensive organization once a key feature lacking in our play, Terry was the first one pulled off as Chelsea looked for an unlikely comeback but still wanted to keep as much speed in defense as possible.
In a well-timed report from the Evening Standard, Terry, who will be cleared to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs come January, apparently fears that he has fallen below the required level for him to be offered another contract extension. It's been 17 long years since he made his debut for Chelsea; even such remarkable careers eventually come to an end...
Terry has been a subject of rumored interest from various Turkish clubs such as Fenerbache, Galatasaray and Antalyaspor, but has previously proclaimed that he'd never play for another English club and would prefer a move to MLS. Even Gianfranco Zola, current manager of Al Arabi in Qatar, expressed his desire to sign Terry earlier in the season.
Whether JT is offered a new contract extension or not, one thing is for sure - figures with his leadership qualities are essential for the squad, and he will be as important as ever in helping us out of this seemingly never-ending slump.