John Terry will LEAVE Chelsea at the end of the season ending trophy-laden 22 years with the Blues

JOHN TERRY has announced he will LEAVE Chelsea at the end of the season.

The Blues skipper, 36, has been at Stamford Bridge for 22 trophy-laden years.

In a statement on the Chelsea website, he said: "After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club.

"From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you enough.

"There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the coming weeks.

"I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season."

Terry is third on the all-time appearances list for the club, with 713 matches for the club since making his debut in 1998.

He has captained the club to four Premier League titles, won five FA Cups, the League Cup three times as well as the Europa League and the Champions League.

Arguably the best defender of his generation, Terry was named the Players' Player of the Season in 2005 and has been named in the PFA Team of the Year four times.

Terry was also known for his goalscoring ability, with 66 in all competitions - 40 of those came in the Premier League, no defender has scored more in the division.

But the former England captain has been out of favour under new boss Antonio Conte this season.

He started the season as first-choice, before an ankle injury against Swansea on September 11 saw him lose his place.

Conte then switched to a 3-4-3 and Terry has not been able to get back into the side - he's played just seven minutes of Premier League football since.

Terry had been offered a new one-year extension by the Blues but now could move abroad to play for big money.

A move to China or Major League Soccer could be on the cards.

The veteran defender has also been learning his coaching badges while at the season and is taking Portuguese lessons.

His statement continued: "The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days.

"We had some really positive talks but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it's the right time for me to leave.

"I’ve always been conscious that I depart at the right time, in the right way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right time for the club and I.

"I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me.

"I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge.

"I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware.

"Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and our amazing Chelsea fans.

"I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable support you've shown me over the years.

"You mean the world to me and every trophy we've won during my time at the club we've won together.

"I will never forget the incredible journey we've been on.

"Thank you so much for everything."