LONDON -- John Terry rounded off his final Chelsea appearance at Stamford Bridge with an emotional speech to supporters after lifting the Premier League trophy on Sunday.
The 36-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, returned to the pitch to say goodbye after Chelsea's 5-1 win over Sunderland ensured a record-breaking 30th Premier League victory in a season.
Terry led Chelsea out on his 717th club appearance and 580th as captain to a guard of honour from Sunderland players and a vast tribute from the Shed End of Stamford Bridge before being substituted for Gary Cahill in the 26th minute, passing the armband on to his vice-captain.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford obligingly kicked the ball out to allow for Terry's send-off -- done to coincide with his shirt number -- and visiting boss David Moyes afterwards admitted his players were aware of the plan.
The gesture sparked debate over the manner of his orchestrated early exit, but Press Association reported that the Premier League is relaxed about the substitution, despite the chance that news of the premeditated move could have alerted gamblers to a situation to exploit.
However, there is no suggestion the move was anything other than an attempt by Chelsea to give their long-serving captain a farewell to remember in front of the club's fans.
Here's the Shed End tifo to John Terry #cfc pic.twitter.com/CwCTUZi0NK
- Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) May 21, 2017
Both Terry and Cahill lifted the trophy together before Terry addressed the crowd.
"This is one of the most difficult days of my life," he said, pausing to try and control his emotions. "I've been very fortunate to work with some unbelievable players and managers in my career. I'm so grateful to every single one of you. Thank you.
"We all have to thank this man up here as well, Mr Roman Abramovich. I'd personally like to thank him. He's put an awful lot of money into this club, but this man cares about this football club, from the U8s to the first-team.
"He gives us the opportunity. On behalf of myself, the players and the supporters, thank you very much.
"I'd like to thank my wife and my kids. The support you've given me is amazing. Thank you, I love you.
"Lastly, you guys the fans, the best supporters in the world without a shadow of a doubt. You've given me everything from the age of 17 when I first started out. You picked me up when I was down, sung my name when I've had bad days and disappointed you as well.
"Thank you will never ever be enough, but I'll tell you what: I'll be back here one day. I'm going to be supporting the players and the club from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much, I love you all."
Terry's farewell in the 26th minute #cfc pic.twitter.com/DOhmJj2p2z
- Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) May 21, 2017
Explaining his early substitution to Sky Sports after the match, Terry added: "[Coming off after] 26 minutes wasn't a plan, but negotiated with the manager. It's more important that the players get sharp for the cup final.
"I'm going to have a few weeks off before deciding anything [about the future]. Every ex-player says play as long as you can, it is great advice. I want to play, that is why I have called it a day at Chelsea -- I didn't want to stand in the way.
'There are big characters in changing room. Cahill stepped in and took the armband, [David] Luiz is good as well, he's matured since come back. Cesc is a big character. I'm looking to them three to pull the dressing room on."
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte afterwards said: "It was very important to find the right solution to celebrate a great champion, a great legend for this club. He deserved to start the game and to have a substitution after 26 minutes.
"He deserved this celebration, because he wrote Chelsea's history and I wish for him and for his family the best in the future."