What a Glorious Moment to Say Good Bye: Terry's Tearful Farewell to Stamford Bridge

The Blues may have won the league, Emotions were running high on Sunday afternoon as John Terry led Chelsea out for the final time at Stamford Bridge in the 5-1 win over Sunderland. There's no doubt today was also about saying goodbye to one of their greatest ever defenders.

The Blues may have won the league, Emotions were running high on Sunday afternoon as John Terry led Chelsea out for the final time at Stamford Bridge in the 5-1 win over Sunderland. There's no doubt today was also about saying goodbye to one of their greatest ever defenders. He has been their leader for so many years that the hole in their squad not just reflects on the pitch, but in the dressing room more importantly and it is a void that the Blues will have to get used to quickly.

The 36-year-old who joined the club in 1995 from West Ham United had the honour of starting his final home match and went on to lift the Premier League trophy with Gary Cahill at the end of the match. Terry is Chelsea's most successful captain, having led them to five Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League title since 2004. He is one of five players to have made over 500 appearances for Chelsea and is also the club's all-time highest scoring defender. In 2007, he became the first captain to lift the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium in Chelsea's 1–0 win over Manchester United, and also the first player to score an international goal there, scoring a header in England's 1–1 draw with Brazil.

The Blues may have won the league, but there's no doubt today was also about saying goodbye to one of their greatest ever defenders. He has been their leader for so many years that the hole in their squad not just reflects on the pitch, but in the dressing room more importantly and it is a void that the Blues will have to get used to quickly.

As far as the Chelsea fans go, they know they are losing one of the best defenders they have ever had, but more importantly one of the greatest ever leaders that they may likely know. That was reflected in their treatment of him on a day that they always knew was coming sooner or later, but for many the fact that the reality has now come.

Captain, Leader, Legend reads across the Matthew Harding and that is what he has been, for 22 years he has given his service to Chelsea and their success in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and, of course, Champions League.

The season is not over, and it will be one last push from Terry, Antonio Conte and his brigade to add that one more FA Cup glory to his mantle before finally signalling the end of his Chelsea playing career.But the appreciation from the fans, as he stood in front of his adoring support, showed that they will never forget a player that gave them so much

Terry's cameo was his 717th appearance for Chelsea over a 22-year career with the club, during which he has won 15 major trophies.

In a tearful address to supporters after Sunday's game, he said: "Today is one of the most difficult days of my life.

"I've been very fortunate to work with some unbelievable players and managers throughout my career. I'm thankful to every single one of them.

"We all have to thank Roman Abramovich. I'd like to thank him and all the board. He's the best owner in world of football.

"I'd like to thank my wife and my kids for supporting me in this amazing journey I've had.

The fans keep saying, thank you for everything ..............