Arguably the best defender in his generation, undoubtedly one of the most decorated centre backs in the history of world football, Chelsea’s most successful captain, a Manchester United supporter as a child but now a Chelsea Legend, John George Terry is the man that bleeds blue blood.
Popularly called “JT” by his teammates, the current Aston Villa assistant coach is a product of the Chelsea youth system. He joined them at the age of 14 after leaving West Ham’s youth system. Initially a midfielder, Terry filled in at centre-back due to a shortage of players in that position.
18-year-old Terry made his debut in 1998 but it took him two years to secure a first-team spot. He became a first-team regular after his return from a brief spell with Nottingham Forest. His partnership with veteran and world cup winner Marcel Desailly helped Terry’s progress. Both players complimented each other perfectly.
Terry’s understanding of the game helped him adapt to different formations, tactics and personnel in any defensive setup. Terry had successful partnerships with players like Marcel Desailly, William Gallas, Ricardo Carvalho, and Rio Ferdinand. He gave the full-backs assurance to go forward as his speed and intelligence aided recovery while halting counter attacks.
Terry was extremely passionate about football and ensuring that his team always won, he was vocal on the pitch as it was easy for him to sense danger. All these attributes did not go without notice as he was appointed vice-captain in the absence of Marcel Desailly through injury during the 2003/04 season. His impressive performances also earned him a call up to the England senior team.
Terry was made club captain by new Chelsea Jose Mourinho at the start of the 2004/05 as Marcel Desailly and retired at the end of the previous season. Terry vindicated Mourinho’s decision as the man from Barking lead the new-look Chelsea team to their first Premier League trophy with an impressive defensive record.
Terry went on to win 15 major trophies which included 5 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League cups, a Champions League and Europa League trophy. He made 492 competitive appearances and scored 67 goals across all competitions.
His accolades include five consecutive appearances in the FIFA FIFPro World XI between 2004 and 2009. He was UEFA’s club defender of the year for 3 different years. He was a member of the UEFA Team of the year 4 times. He was a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team and was named in the PFA Team of the Century (1997-2007).
John Terry can have been fondly described by the Chelsea fans in three words; Captain, Leader and Legend.