John Terry could follow in the footsteps of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and make his way to China with the Englishman being targeted by several Chinese clubs according to former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
The Chelsea captain has been unequivocal when stating his desire to extend his time at Stamford Bridge beyond this season but has also acknowledged that his Chelsea career may not have a ‘fairytale’ ending.
Terry, 35, will be out of contract in the summer, and having previously ruled out the possibility of playing for another club in the English Premier League, the rapidly-growing Chinese Super League could well be an option for the former England international.
Sven-Göran Eriksson, who gave Terry his England début in 2003, has revealed that the Chelsea centre-back is the subject of keen interest from clubs in the Chinese Super League as he is one of the most recognised footballers in the world.
The Swede, who is currently managing Shanghai SIPG after a brief spell at Guangzhou R&F, is quoted by The Sun as saying: “There is a lot of talk about John Terry in China. He has been one of the greatest defenders in the world for the last 15 years.
“He is still doing very well and has a lot to offer. He is one of the most recognisable players in world football. Chinese teams are looking for these big players. Great teams need great leaders.
“They do not come much better than John Terry. With his skill, his experience, he would be great in China, I have no doubt about that.”
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea skipper John Terry tops China’s summer transfer wishlist #CFChttps://t.co/UCrYnF6jll pic.twitter.com/wSaEbQOwAu
— The Sun – Football (@TheSunFootball) February 21, 2016
Chinese Super League a realistic possibility, along with the MLS
John Terry has been an ever-present rock in the Chelsea defence for well over a decade now, and is just one game shy of making his 700th appearance for the Blues.
As such, there is little doubt that Terry knows how to take care of himself, and his undiminished desire to compete would make him a priceless capture for a growing league like the Chinese Super League. United States’ Major League Soccer is also another possibility, and the Englishman would perhaps find it easier to adapt there given the absence of a language barrier.
However, the Chinese Super League has shown great ambition to pull off some huge signings over the past month — the latest being PSG star Ezequiel Lavezzi — and do have the financial clout to be able to influence Terry’s decision in the coming months.
