Surrounded by constant pressure from fans, including a huge number of banners and threats of a mass walkout at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Chelsea finally announced publicly that they had offered the 35-year-old English center-back a new contract.
The offer was the latest twist in the long series of incidents that begun in January when Chelsea told Terry, who is the club’s most successful player in terms of trophies won, that they would not make a new deal with Terry this summer. Terry was with the Blues for the last 21 years. Terry knew that the fan base will be with him, so he publicly announced the news. Chelsea refused to change their opinion on Terry’s contract renewal and eventually fan pressure forced the hand of the club hierarchy. But Chelsea put the ball back in the court of Terry, by publicly announcing the move, a man who has more than 700 appearances for Chelsea.
If Terry refuses to sign the new contract, Chelsea can declare themselves free from blame, and they could make their fans think, that it was Terry after all who has demanded too much. Though, unaware of the terms of the deal, no one knows whether Chelsea have only offered Terry a token contract, reduction in wages and playing time or, if it is one he should seriously consider.
Questions were surrounding that despite a £20m offer from China, Terry already been offered, will Terry accept poor terms just to stay with the Blues? The saga took a further twist on Friday evening when Terry declared on his Instagram page, revealing that if he stayed next season, he would have a “different role”. He wrote:
“Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes. The contract extension the club has offered me is a different role and I hope everyone will understand I want to take the time to consider it carefully before making a decision.”
Terry appeared extremely emotional on Friday night at the club’s end of season awards ceremony. There were a number of cynical voices that touched a nerve with many others, while initial reaction of the news was positive from fans.
The club probably think Terry rejecting their offer would damage his relationship with the fans. No chance, I wouldn’t blame him one bit.
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) May 13, 2016
Called this straight away at work yesterday. Club clearly think fans are grade A morons – they made poor offer public to put it in his court
— Charlie Skillen (@charlieskillen) May 14, 2016
Moan on no Contract offer..
Moan when contract is offered..#Boring
— 10th Mar 1905 (@10thMar1905) May 13, 2016
Absolutely buzzing that John Terry has been offered a one year deal. Up to you now captain.
— ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) May 13, 2016
Right now @ChelseaFC have done their part…now JT needs to do his part & ACCEPT!! ???? Thank you for finally listening to us fans CFC!??
— Sophia De Stefano (@SophiaDStefano) May 13, 2016
Finally my year isn’t over. #CaptainLeaderLegend ⚽️⚽️??????????????????????????
— Sophie Rose (@SophieRoseUTC) May 13, 2016