Abramovich personally involved: The real reason Chelsea offered John Terry a new contract

It was widely accepted that Chelsea and John Terry were parting ways at the end of the season. However, Chelsea offered Terry a surprise 12 month extensions that will keep him in Stamford Bridge for another year. The mastermind behind it all was Chelsea owner and notorious business mogul, Roman Abramovich (via DailyStar).

John Terry is an icon of Chelsea and English football. The former England captain has made more than 700 appearances for the blues and has played his entire 18-year-career with the Londoners.

Terry was almost certainly leaving England to play in the Chinese Super League next season, with Chinese clubs offering mega-money contracts.

The new contract proposal came this week when the 35-year-old defender had a meeting with Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and their Director of Football Marina Granovskaia. Terry’ new contract would require him to take a massive pay reduction, but is heavily incentivised.

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Although Terry would like nothing more than to stay in Stamford Bridge, the money offered by the Chinese clubs is making him think twice. “With it coming so late in the season, this is a big decision for John and his family and it is something that they are now considering,” a Chelsea spokesman said.

Guus Hiddink, Chelsea manager, is confident the move was the right one. “It’s not about age. He is mentally strong, and also good for the younger people, to inspire them… Clubs must be very aware of using the strengths of those guys… When a club has an opportunity to integrate them in their culture, I’m always in favour of that.”