Chelsea captain John Terry is set to bring his illustrious playing career to an end at the close of the 2016/17 season when his current contract expires after being informed by the club that he will not be offered fresh terms.
According to The Times, Terry has been made aware during 'informal' and 'cordial' talks that this season will be his last as a Chelsea player.
It had looked as though 2015/16 would be the lastuntil a late deal was struck to keep the veteran defender on for another 12 months. But this time it really is the end as the newspaper also revealed that plans to find Terry a new non-playing role are already underway.
It is said that the 36-year-old, a four-time Premier League winning captain, has equally reassured Chelsea officials that he does not plan to leave for a short-term challenge in January despite lucrative rumoured offers from China.
He appears keen and destined to retire a one-club man come June.
After playing all 38 games of Chelsea's last title-winning season in 2014/15, Terry has seen his fitness begin to fail him in the 18 months since. He managed just 24 Premier League appearances last season and has spent most of the current campaign sidelined.
Terry has played just five minutes of football since the start of November. Perhaps more importantly, Chelsea haven't missed him after getting over an early season wobble.
Manager Antonio Conte has settled on 3-4-3 system with a defensive unit of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill providing the foundation for nine straight Premier League wins.
More defensive spending is alsoexpected in the coming monthsas the playing chapter of Terry's career finally draws to a close after 18 years.
To continue the discussion on Twitter follow @jamiespencer155
Visit www.facebook.com/jamiespencer155