In the wake of the news that John Terry will not be returning to Chelsea when his deal expires at the end of the year, it has become pretty clear that Terry won’t be hanging up the cleats and suiting up for a job as an analyst.
Terry will be a very unique optionfor teams looking for leadership or a flashy name or both, and it’s safe to say that plenty of clubs from Champions League contenders to MLS start-ups will be phoning his agent non-stop once he leaves Stamford Bridge for good.
Here is a look at five potential landing spots for Chelsea captain John Terry next year:
Manchester City
Frank Lampard wasn’t afraid to join one of Chelsea’s greatest rivals after being unceremoniously dumped by the club – and neither should Terry. In addition to providing a sorely-needed veteran presence to City’s centre-back position, Terry can thumb his nose at Chelsea while he’s playing the Champions League next year while the Blues watch it at home.
New York City FC
Speaking of Frank Lampard, a reunion with his former BFF over in Major League Soccer might be a good way to retire in style. There is a chance of a potentially poor reception he’d receive from New York City in light of his past comments regarding 9/11.
Real Madrid
If Zinedine Zidane wants to rebuild the team in his own image, he can start by signing and inserting a proven leader and a more-proven winner directly into his team to bring the locker room back under control. His Champions League experience would also prove invaluable when Real Madrid play in the tournament again next season.
With Eden Hazard potentially joining Los Blancos, adding a player Hazard is familiar with could help as well.
Anywhere Jose Mourinho Goes
Terry had more success under Mourinho than almost any other manager he ever played for. Assuming their relationship didn’t erode in the waning days of his second stint at Chelsea, Mourinho might be eager to bring Terry with him wherever he ends up in 2016 (assuming he coaches that year).
Arsenal
If Chelsea are going to throw Terry out like an old television, then he has every right to join a better, more stable club and show Chelsea the error of their ways. It won’t earn him any friends back at Stamford Bridge, but after a year or two of knocking the sense back into the Blues, all will be forgiven – and Terry may have another trophy or several on his own wall to show for it.
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