It seems that John Terry has been booting the ball (and the opposition) around West London since the dawn of time, and that it’s inconceivable that one day he may have to hang up his boots.
However, time will eventually catch up with the ex-England international, and the ever-loyal 33-year-old Chelsea defender’s long-term replacement will need to be bedded into the Stamford Bridge way sooner rather than later.
Already a German international, 21-year-old Antonio Rutiger may just fit the bill.
Chelsea are eyeing up the Stuttgart starlet, and a moderate £7million price tag will attract their interest further.
The Blues have recently been interested in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, but with a £40million asking price, that plane ticket may be on hold for some time.
The struggling German club (17th in the Bundesliga, with only one win in seven attempts), do not want to part with Rudiger, after the club’s sports director, Jochen Schneider, revealed that they were keen to retain the services of the bright young defender.
‘Our intention is to extend the contract with Antonio Rudiger,’ Schneider told German publication Bild.
The lad from Berlin was a target for both West Ham United and French giants Monaco this summer – with the latter club reportedly failing with an £11.8million offer.
John Terry may still go on for a few more seasons, but a replacement is inevitable. The hard hitting defender from Barking <ironic smile>, will be sorely missed at the heart of the Blues defence if the search is not succesful. With over 630 appearances for the Stamford Bridge giants, Terry will leave a big hole to fill.
Written by Michael Horne
Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777
