LONDON - John Terry has vowed to return to Wembley as a manager after the agony of defeat against Arsenal.
It was an emotional weekend for Terry, who cleared his locker at the training ground, endured his final game as a Chelsea player from the bench and said farewell at the club’s awards dinner.
He will consider his next move over the coming weeks and would like to extend his playing career but the 36-year-old is determined to move into coaching and management at some stage.
‘It’s heartbreaking going out like that and losing,’ said Terry. ‘It’s probably the last time at Wembley as a player. Hopefully one day I’ll be back here as a manager, that’s the ambition. I do want to be a manager. I will press on with that regardless of what I do next.
'I’ve got too much to give and I’ve learned too much not to pass that on, whether that’s initially to a younger generation or eventually at this level. This is the target, being at Wembley managing a top side.’
Terry will weigh up his options and decide whether he can play on and if so where that will be.
‘I need a good week away just to reflect,’ he said. ‘It’s an emotional time. I’ve been here such a long time and I’ve so many friends. My last day, clearing out the locker, was emotional - it kind of makes you feel empty a little bit.
‘It’s kind of the final straw isn’t it? When you’re putting everything away, your possessions from over the years and the pictures of your kids. I’ve got memories that will never go away.
‘That sounds a little bit soppy but that’s me. I’m Chelsea through and through, and I’ve got unbelievable memories from the training ground, the old training ground and Stamford Bridge.
‘Chelsea’s my club, I love it.’