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After John Terry announced his retirement yesterday evening, the world of football took to the various social media platforms to pay tribute to to one of the true greats of the game.
Former clubs Chelsea and Aston Villa were among the first to congratulate Captain, Leader, Legend on a long and amazingly successful 23-year career.
It could be more of a “see you later” than a goodbye for either of these clubs of course. It’s long been assumed that JT would one day return to Chelsea as a coach, while he may actually get started on that journey at Aston Villa, perhaps very soon, even, as rumored new head coach Thierry Henry’s assistant.
Chelsea:
Aston Villa:
John Terry left his mark on just about every facet of Chelsea Football Club, including the women’s team, and a host of current squad members joined the club in their well wishes.
Many of these players won multiple titles with JT as Captain, including as recently as the 2016-17 Premier League trophy, while others, especially young players, were mentored by him as they were coming up through the Chelsea system.
Hedvig Lindahl:
Congratulations on a fantastic career John Terry! Not only have you played amazingly well for club and country, you took a stand for the women's football side within the club and that has left a strong impression with me. Thank you! https://t.co/t7uLFlsF3V
— Hedvig Lindahl (@hedvig_lindahl) October 7, 2018
César Azpilicueta:
Congratulations on your amazing career John Terry. I’m lucky to have shared a lot of memories and I will be always grateful for everything I have learned from you, a true leader and a legend of @ChelseaFC and football. I wish you all the best in your next chapter. #JT26 pic.twitter.com/SKngXAvg7E
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) October 7, 2018
Andreas Christensen:
Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
Marcos Alonso:
Willian:
David Luiz:
Michy Batshuayi:
As important as JT was to Chelsea, he was just one of the pillars of The Old Guard. They were obviously among the first to wish him well in retirement. Lampard’s message, especially, is a bit of a tearjerker.
Many other former teammates, young and old, posted lovely messages.
Frank Lampard:
Didier Drogba:
Ashley Cole:
Mikel John Obi:
Jody Morris:
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:
Marcel Desailly:
Michael Essien:
Michael Ballack:
Nathaniel Chalobah:
Diego Costa:
But not only the Chelsea community (including Antonio Conte!) paid homage to the legendary defender.
Grande Professionista e Grande Uomo. Un onore ed un piacere averti avuto come Capitano. In bocca al lupo John per le tue prossime sfide! John Terry
Posted by Antonio Conte on Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Many pundits, former players and old adversaries took the chance to acknowledge his brilliant career. It’s nice to see that despite all the controversy that the name John Terry evoked over the years, people are able to lay their personal views aside and celebrate the career of a true professional who’s won everything there is to win club level, as, arguably, the best defender ever in the Premier League.
Best centre back in @premierleague era for me! Great career https://t.co/s0CaTIK3bS
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 7, 2018
John Terry has announced his retirement from football. He does, of course, divide opinion, but when it comes to playing the game, I think we can all agree that he’s one of the finest defenders this country has ever produced.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 7, 2018
Congratulations John Terry for such an amazing career. One of the toughest defenders I've ever faced and always enjoyed the challenge and banter. Big respect bro and wish u all the best to you and the family for the future. pic.twitter.com/NvdfFQR0w7
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) October 8, 2018
Last but certainly not least, a few public words from John’ wife, Toni Terry, who put it best.
Enjoy your retirement, John!
A wonderful feature from Joe Tweeds, from 2014, that you should read:
From 2014, @joeTweedie @PlainsOfAlmeria on John Terry. It still resonates.https://t.co/NC2uk7y3a5
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) October 7, 2018