da realbet： Though heralded as the so-called ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ of Stamford Bridge, John Terry has often courted controversy during his career, with the Chelsea defender proving divisive amongst football fans. From parking in disabled bays to having run-ins with the police, Terry has so often been in the public eye, with his actions certainly deserving of the negative attention that has so often surrounded him.
da pinnacle： Indeed, even his highest points in a Chelsea shirt have been marred by controversy. As Chelsea completed the most heroic of victories in the 2012 Champions League, it was not their performance that left people talking – it was John Terry’s presence after the final whistle. Deemed by many to have ruined Chelsea’s chances after being sent off in the penultimate round, fans took offence to the defender’s insistence on lifting the trophy – and that reaction has, in many ways, been a microcosm of his entire career.
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Often under the microscope in the media, Terry’s career has been littered with moments of controversy and negative press – with his off-the-field personality often drawing more attention than his moments of genius on the pitch.
It is ironic, then, that a weekend of football that could be looked back upon as a defining moment in Chelsea’s season, with victory against Swansea City putting the Blues back on course for a Premier League title win, falls around the same time as what is arguably Terry’s lowest point in a blue shirt. After a highly publicised extra-marital affair scandal involving the defender and Wayne Bridge, Bridge refused to shake his hand before a game on the 27th of February 2010 – bringing the defender’s actions into the spotlight again.
Of course, less than two years later his actions would be brought into question once more – with a racial abuse scandal marring yet another season in his illustrious career. Terry was subsequently fined by the FA and this saga marked the end of not only his England career, but also that of Fabio Capello’s too.
Of course, negative actions must have consequences, but it is certainly a shame that a player of such importance and success will forever go down in such a negative light. Terry’s contributions on the field are impossible to overstate. Having played a crucial role for the Blues since 2001, the defender has won everything both domestically and in Europe, often playing a vital role in each campaign. Indeed, even in Chelsea’s Champions League campaign – of which he is so often mocked – Terry’s role was crucial throughout the run-in to the final.
As a player, the 36-year-old has been written off a number of times, but he has so often returned even stronger. Under André Villas-Boas, the Englishman was left to rot – only to return to the side to great success following the manager’s departure. Similarly, in Chelsea’s last Championship-winning campaign, the defender was arguably the Blues’ most important player despite claims that he was finished.
With this season seemingly certain to be Terry’s last in a Blue shirt, it is a shame that a career that has seen so much success will always have question marks over it. Whilst the 27th of February is a date that has so often coincided with success for Chelsea, as it did over the weekend, for Terry it will always be a date marred by controversy. Trim away that, and the Chelsea legend will be heralded as one of England’s greatest ever, but unfortunately, the damage has already been done.
The heartbeat of one of Europe’s most successful sides during his career, Terry will forever be remembered by Chelsea fans as a hero – but he will always be lamented by everybody else as a villain.
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