Chelsea fans and former players share tributes following John Terry’s retirement

• Chelsea fans react to news John Terry has announced his retirement.
• Several of Terry’s former teammates also share their tributes.
• Thank you for everything, JT – and good luck!

Chelsea fans have taken to Twitter in their masses to give their tributes to John Terry, who announced his retirement from professional football on Sunday evening.

Terry called time on his playing career by releasing a statement on his Instagram page, thanking his family, former teammates and staff he worked with during his 23-years in the game.

Terry dedicated virtually his entire career to Chelsea football club, making 717 appearances in total for the Blues and winning 17 pieces of silverware. His name has been etched in our hall of fame, and it will not fade with time.

Many of the Chelsea fan base will have grown up with Terry in the side, captaining the team and lifting trophies during the most successful period in our history. News that he will never kick a ball again in a professional game is hard to take.

This is an emotional time for anyone affiliated with Chelsea, and fans have not shied away from sharing that emotion on Twitter. Here’s how some Chelsea fans paid tribute to JT after news of his retirement broke.

It’s taken some time to digest JT’s retirement. Players come and go but few leave a lasting impression. For me, John Terry was the last standing of the footballers from my childhood, and was the EPL’s best defender. He gave everything and loved Chelsea. Thanks JT. Absolute hero🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/cFDSfDn5zA

— Louis Beneventi (@Louis_Beneventi) October 8, 2018

JOHN TERRY

Premier League 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
FA Cup 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
League Cup 🏆🏆🏆
Community Shield 🏆🏆
Champions League 🏆
Europa League 🏆
FIFA FIFPro World XI 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
UEFA Team of the Year 🏆🏆🏆🏆
UEFA Defender of the Year 🏆🏆🏆
PFA Team of the Year 🏆🏆🏆🏆
PFA Players POTY 🏆

— CFC (@CFCWriter) October 7, 2018

John Terry was a public enemy in the eyes of the media for a long time.

Others would’ve shyed away. But through all that, he gave his everything and retires as the best defender in Premier League history.

Thank you for you everything legend, enjoy retirement. pic.twitter.com/0T9HyOvkAY

— Ayden (@AddictedToCFC) October 7, 2018

I remember 10 years ago when I was 13 years old thinking about the day Terry and Lampard would retire and how football never would be the same. Today is the day. Words can’t describe how many enjoyable moments these two legends have given me.

— Daniel Mohajer (@BoasMohajer) October 7, 2018

And just like that, we will never see Frank Lampard or John Terry play professional football again.

How are we supposed to deal with that? They don’t make them like those two anymore. 😞💙 pic.twitter.com/7QmmJj5byk

— Talk Chelsea (@talkchelsea) October 7, 2018

Some people say about being able to watch Messi, Ronaldo, and players alike is the ultimate privilege. As a Chelsea fan, for me it was being able to see John Terry lead my club that was the real privilege. The greatest, most decorated player in the history of my club. #CFC

— Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) October 7, 2018

John Terry set an example throughout his career that every young footballer ought to aspire to. Not only was he a world-class defender, he left everything on the pitch. Blood, sweat, tears – that was the minimum. His legacy will live on far beyond his retirement.

Thank you, JT. pic.twitter.com/W705fYdqxD

— Jamie Wilkinson (@jamiew_tc) October 7, 2018

John Terry is the and forever will be the greatest player that ever played for Chelsea Football Club. He is that player my children will ask about and I had the luck to watch him week in, week out.

Thank you for everything Captain. Forever grateful. pic.twitter.com/dBvlOdhStO

— Uber Chelsea FC 🏆 (@UberCheIseaFC) October 7, 2018

His former teammates also got involved in the Twitter love-in…

Congrats on your amazing career my Captain @johnterry.26
It was a pleasure playing and winning all these trophies with you @chelseafc 💙#theoneandonly #JT #captaincourage #leader #historymakers #theimpossibles #theoldguard #blueblood pic.twitter.com/6k6kqX4EaY

— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) October 7, 2018

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

A servant of the game, you gave yourself to club and country and captained those around you to be the best they can be. Good luck in retirement John Terry thank you for all you have given to football ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nT7a4tp8Hn

— Patrick van Aanholt (@pvanaanholt) October 7, 2018

One of the last true leaders leaves the pitch…What a player. What a captain. It was always a pleasure to share the dressing room with you⚽️🔵 Good luck with the next page #johnterry #CaptainLeaderLegend #CFC @ChelseaFC

📸1: imago/Colorsport
📸2: imago/HochZwei/International pic.twitter.com/nBT3Hk84Tx

— Michael Ballack (@Ballack) October 8, 2018

Thank you for everything John Terry 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #CaptainLeaderLegend pic.twitter.com/1WGqbLbncV

— Oscar (@oscar8) October 8, 2018