John Terry decision made by Chelsea as Blues icon lined up for stunning managerial role
John Terry could leave Chelsea to move to Saudi Arabia
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Chelsea won't stand in John Terry's way with the Stamford Bridge icon lined up for a stunning management role in Saudi Arabia, reports say.
The 42-year-old is the Blues' most-decorated player of all time after winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League, five FA Cups and other honours during his time in west London.
Terry has been working at Chelsea ever since a period of working under Dean Smith at Leicester.
And The Sun say the former England skipper has now been lined up by Saudi side Al-Shabab, with a deal verbally agreed.
John Terry won every major trophy during his time as a Chelsea player
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Since leaving Leicester in the wake of their relegation to the Championship, Terry has been working with Chelsea again.
The former Blues captain was given a one year deal as a consultant in the club's academy.
But while Chelsea face the big blow of losing Terry, it's claimed they won't stand in his way 'as a mark of respect to his service to them over almost two decades'.
Terry has also worked at Aston Villa since hanging up his boots in 2018.
And he's eager to become a manager, with Al-Shabab willing to give him the opportunity to realise that dream.
Bosses at the Middle Eastern side believe Terry has the coaching credentials and reputation to attract star names to the club.
They're looking to 'build it up' with Al-Shabab 'not considered one of the main players' in the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudis have been sparing no expense this summer as they look to develop their league.
Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Neymar and Jordan Henderson are among the A-listers who are now strutting their stuff in the top flight.
And they've also snared former Premier League managers such as Steven Gerrard and Nuno Espirito Santo, too.
Chelsea have seen a number of their players join Saudi teams.
Kante was the first to go, with the France international departing after seven successful years in west London.
Edouard Mendy endured a big dip in form last season.
And the Senegal international was then sold to Al-Ahli having not factored in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the future.
Chelsea also cut ties with Kalidou Koulibaly, just a year after they'd recruited the 32-year-old from Napoli.
Meanwhile, back in April, Terry revealed his ultimately 'dream' was to become manager of Chelsea and continue his love affair with the club.
“Yeah, that’s my dream," said the 42-year-old. "Obviously, when you’re a kid you want to play in the first team.
"As a coach, I’ve shifted this way now. The long-term ambition and goal is to be Chelsea manager, of course.
He added: "That feels a little bit funny saying that because someone’s in the job and listen, we are still talking 10, 15 years down the line maybe.
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John Terry worked under Dean Smith at Leicester last season
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"But I have to have an end goal and that’s it. It’s my dream. Hopefully, it happens.
"I’m on the process of doing that but a lot of things have to go very well for me.
"So, I’m being very patient in the decisions I’m making in my next step in terms of management.
"But being back at Chelsea is very pleasing for me. It was quite emotional when I first drove in.”
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