John Terry could stay at Chelsea, admits Guus Hiddink

'The door is not shut'

John Terry could yet end his career as a Chelsea player, according to interim manager Guus Hiddink.

The Blues skipper, who has been at the club for more than 20 years, made the shock announcement on Sunday that he had been informed Chelsea would not be renewing his contract next season.

The 35-year-old, arguably Chelsea's greatest ever player, has won 14 of the 22 major trophies in the club's 111-year history and played every minute of last season as the club won their first Premier League title in five years.

However, unlike the way Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were able to end their careers as one-club men with Manchester United, Terry made surprised all when he revealed Chelsea may not keep him at Stamford Bridge next season - it would seem to hinge on who the Blues appoint as their next permanent manager, and whether that person fancies keeping Terry around.

He has already been linked with lucrative moves to the Middle East, China and Major League Soccer - but Hiddink revealed that the club may yet opt to keep the experienced and decorated former England captain.

"It was a bit surprising, but he's completely entitled to do so when his contract is expiring," said Hiddink, speaking ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash at Watford.

"I like him very much, the way he is playing and committed to the team - and he will be, I can assure you of that.

"I had some conversations with him in the past days about all kinds of things in football.

"Regardless the situation of the club and he is in now, he will be not just be professional, but with all his heart as well."

Terry, who has played 696 matches for the Blues and admitted he will not play for another Premier League club, is already free to negotiate with potential suitors.

Hiddink believes he is still capable of playing at the top level and maintained, like Terry, that "the channels of dialogue (remained) open".

The Dutchman added: "He's very fit. He's not what you would normally see a 35-year-old, 36-year-old player, that you feel that you get a little bit slower, you cannot accept that you're getting into a danger zone for red cards.

"None of that for John. He's fit and he's performing as he's doing while I'm here and he will do. I'm convinced.

"The door is not shut. Dialogue is always possible. There was no specific decision made yet. It's early.

"We have to see in the progress reports and what's coming up in the transition of the management."

Additional reporting from PA