CHELSEA captain John Terry will end his 22-year association with the London club at the end of the season, but the veteran defender wants to keep on playing.

    The 36-year-old Terry has dropped so far down the pecking order at Chelsea that the last of his 713 appearances came two months ago in the FA Cup. The center back last played in the English Premier League for the leader in November and has already started studying for coaching qualifications and learning Portuguese.

    “The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days,” Terry said in a statement Monday. “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.”

    Although a managerial career appears to be beckoning, Terry does not feel ready to hang up his boots. The next move will be decided “in due course,” Terry said, with lucrative moves to China, the United Arab Emirates and United States obvious potential destinations.

    “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.”

    Making his senior debut in 1998, Terry was appointed captain in 2004. His physical presence, anticipation, and leadership qualities made him the outstanding figure in Chelsea’s defense.

    On the continent, he collected the Champions League in 2012, despite being suspended for the final, and the Europa League the following year. Terry has also won the Premier League four times, the FA Cup five times, and the League Cup on three occasions.(SD-Agencies)