John Terry, Chelsea Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Chelsea captain John Terry has agreed a new one-year deal with the club, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

News of the defender's extension came via the club:

The veteran's previous contract was set to run out at the end of the season, prompting plenty of speculation about Terry's future.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website after confirmation of his extension, Terry put into words what it means for him to remain at the club he's represented since he was 14 years of age:

"

I am delighted to sign a new contract with the club. Everyone knows I'm Chelsea through and through. I am looking forward to next season under the new manager and hopefully we can make it a successful one.

Also, a special mention to the fans for their continued support. You're the best in the world.

"

The 35-year-old said in the aftermath of Chelsea's FA Cup win over Reading in February he was to leave Stamford Bridge, while according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, he also received a lucrative offer from a Chinese team.

Eurosport UK emphasised Terry's extension as a relief for many Stamford Bridge supporters, a lot of whom have been very vocal in recent weeks regarding their wish to see the defender's stay prolonged:

Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes was among those who praised the club's late decision to hand Terry a new one-year deal, bringing him into his 22nd year with the club:

However, the Blues have tempted their skipper into staying for another year. It's a decision that'll delight supporters, who made it known against Liverpool they wanted the defender at the club next season, when new manager Antonio Conte will take over.

This post from BreatheSport sums up just how significant a figure the former England man is for the Blues:

"

John Terry at Chelsea:

703 games 
66 goals ⚽️
16 trophies 
1 more year❓https://t.co/MBtdqz7x7Y

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 13, 2016"

In terms of his form, it's not been the best season for Terry. Indeed, a couple of rash challenges saw him sent off against Sunderland in early May, a dismissal that looked poised to prematurely end his Chelsea career. Next season, it'll be fascinating to see just how often Conte uses the veteran and, given the Italian's previous use of a three-man defence, in what kind of system, too.

However, it's also the veteran's wisdom in the role and experience in silverware-winning situations that will prove important, and he's got bags of it, as illustrated by OptaJoe and the official Premier League Twitter account:

Terry will need to be protected with energy and pace around him. Do that, and allow the centre-back to concentrate on defending, and he can still be a useful player to have in the squad, although not the linchpin he was previously.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

As Squawka Football noted here, the captain has always been good for a goal, too, netting regularly throughout his Blues career:

In the twilight of his playing days, it's the influence of Terry off the field that'll be of the most use to Chelsea. A new manager coming in without the club's leader in place would have had a much more difficult job. The experienced captain would be a huge asset to Conte and a crucial go-between for the players and the Italian.

Of course, there will come a time when the Blues need to be ruthless when assessing Terry's contribution on the field, although in 2016-17 at least, he'll feel as though he still has something to offer. In terms of his presence at the football club, affinity with the supporters and guidance he'd give the manager, keeping him around can only be viewed as a positive step.