John Terry's Chelsea Career Deserved so Much More Than to Go out with a Whimper

Guus Hiddink summed up the mood of every Chelsea fan on Saturday.

"If he doesn't play for Chelsea again, it is sad," the interim boss said. Hiddink was referring to John Terry, whose red card in the 3-2 loss to Sunderland was potentially the last action of his Chelsea career.

Terry revealed in January that he wouldn't be offered a new contract to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this season. The club contradicted that notion by suggesting any decision wouldn't be made until a new manager was appointed. Well, they have one in Antonio Conte, and a lack of movement since the announcement of his appointment in early April suggests Terry's assertion was correct.

As the red card against Sunderland was his second of the season, it means Terry's Chelsea career is ending with a whimper. Chelsea have two games remaining, and he'll be suspended for both. Barring a dramatic change of heart from the club's hierarchy, it's safe to say we will not see him line up for the Blues again.

A player of his stature deserves so much more. Terry should be on the pitch against Leicester City on Sunday, soaking up an atmosphere and occasion created in his honour. Like Didier Drogba last season, Terry should be afforded a king's lift off the pitch to celebrate all he has done for the club.

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There will be a guard of honour for the newly crowned champions Leicester, and it's one that should be followed with another for Terry.

Players of his ilk are a rare breed. His loyalty stands for plenty in the modern game, yet it's what he achieved for his club in the process that counts for so much.

Terry hasn't been a passenger at Chelsea. He's been one of the biggest names at a time when money and prestige have come to define the west London club. With all the lavish spending we've seen at Stamford Bridge since 2003, it's been one of their own who has led Chelsea to every bit of success they have experienced.

Terry has been the last bastion of Chelsea's golden generation, and the club is attempting to build another without him. That's the reality of elite sport—every empire crumbles at some point. Disappointingly for Terry, the timing of his departure leaves a bitter aftertaste.

Chelsea collapsed spectacularly under Jose Mourinho this term. They were champions in name only; their performances on the pitch in stark contrast to the side we thought Mourinho was creating.

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Terry's been a part of that. He hasn't been free of criticism, yet for all the failure the supporters have endured, the best moments have been equally about Terry.

Monday's London derby against Tottenham Hotspur was played in the spirit of Chelsea's best years. It was a performance lacking the sort of quality Chelsea have been renowned for, yet we couldn't question the commitment and desire from players, who showed they understand the club's ethos.

Terry's Instagram post after the match summed up his contribution perfectly. "#NotOnMYShift," he wrote, referencing the fact no Chelsea captain had lost to Spurs at Stamford Bridge since 1990.

Premier League	2005, 2006, 2010, 2015
FA Cup	2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012
League Cup	2005, 2007, 2015
Champions League	2012
Europa League	2013
Community Shield	2005, 2009

It's that sort of desire that has defined him as a player. He's been committed to avoiding failure at all costs, standing up in the face of adversity to deny opponents. He hasn't always come out out on top, but his refusal to hide in the key moments has got Chelsea to places they weren't always inclined to go.

Coming back from 2-0 down to protect that unbeaten record against Spurs, denying them a shot at the Premier League title in the process, was one such moment.

Money or not, Terry would have achieved a level of greatness few can surpass at Stamford Bridge. That we're now expecting him to disappear over the horizon without a fond farewell is a moment of huge regret.

We've seen legends from across the game have their swansong in front of passionate home crowds. They've been privileged to bid their careers a fond farewell on their own terms. For Terry, his last memory in a Chelsea shirt will be the heckles from jubilant Wearsiders who celebrated a crucial three points for their side as they attempt to avoid relegation.

The last sight of Terry in blue will be of him throwing down his captain's armband in frustration. Crouched over on the floor, his head in his hands, Terry knew what it all meant when Mike Jones pulled out his second yellow card. The game was over, and his Chelsea career went with it.

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The game lasted for just 35 seconds after Terry's dismissal.

In many ways, the qualities that defined Terry's Chelsea career are what have ended it prematurely. Regardless of time being up against Sunderland, he wasn't giving up until the final whistle. He lunged in on Wahbi Khazri in a desperate bid to win back possession and give Chelsea one last chance to get forward and salvage a point. He knew the risk, but he took it, as he wanted the reward that could have come.

Despite nothing riding on the game for Chelsea, Terry wasn't accepting defeat lightly. His career was about winning, and he went out by applying those same values.

To echo Hiddink's sentiments, Stamford Bridge will be a lesser place without John Terry.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.