John Terry leaving Chelsea: Kurt Zouma 'very surprised' as captain can play for 'another one or two years'

Terry announced yesterday that he would be leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season

John Terry (GETTY IMAGES)

Kurt Zouma was left shocked by Chelsea's decision to release captain John Terry at the end of the season and does not know how the former England captain can be replaced.

Terry has announced he is leaving the club he joined at the age of 14 after they opted not to offer him a new contract.

The 35-year-old, who has made 696 appearances so far for the Blues, had been hoping to secure a 12-month extension but was informed by the club of their decision before last week's win at Arsenal.

However, Zouma believes his central-defensive partner could play on for another couple of years.

"I am very surprised - I didn't know," Zouma told the Evening Standard.

"Now we have to see what John wants to do because I think he can play for another one or two years.

"This feels like when we lost Didier (Drogba) last summer. (Terry) is a huge personality at Chelsea. When you lose these kind of players, you have to replace them but I don't know how John can be replaced. We have to think about it.

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"For me he can play many more times. He is still at a top level. He has been playing very well since I arrived at Chelsea. He can continue for sure.

"His performances have been consistent. Since I have been at the club, I haven't seen him play badly. That's the truth. He was always helping everybody.

"He has been a massive support to me. When I started my first games last year he was always talking to me. He is a legend and a very good leader. I have learnt a lot from him. I don't know what to say, I am very surprised."

Terry made Chelsea's decision public following their 5-1 FA Cup win at MK Dons on Sunday, although the club later insisted "the situation could change in the coming months".

In 22 years at Stamford Bridge he won every major club honour, including four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League in 2012.

Terry was a pivotal figure as the Blues won their first league title in five years last season, playing every minute of all 38 games.

But he, like the rest of the team, have struggled this term with manager Jose Mourinho paying the price for their poor form with the sack in December.

Nevertheless, Terry said: "'I feel as though I'm in great nick, I'm playing great and I've got a couple of years to go. It'll just be elsewhere."

Terry does not want to play for another Premier League club, but big-money offers are likely to come in from Major League Soccer in the United States and the Chinese Super League.

He added: "Ideally I would have loved to stay, but the club is moving in a different direction.

"I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done. Unfortunately, it was a no."

PA