LONDON — Chelsea great John Terry will leave the club at the end of the season, the Premier League leaders have announced.

"John Terry and Chelsea Football Club today jointly announce our captain will leave the club at the end of the season," said a club statement.

The 36-year-old former England central defender has made over 700 appearances for the west London side.

But, despite being Chelsea’s captain, Terry has become an increasingly peripheral figure under Italian manager Antonio Conte and has made just five league appearances so far this season.

"I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season," said Terry in a joint statement issued with Chelsea.

"After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club. From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you enough.

"There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the coming weeks."

Terry has made 713 appearance for Chelsea, third in the Blues’ all-time list, since his debut in 1998 and scored 66 goals.

He has also captained Chelsea on a record 578 occasions, while no one has won more than his 14 major honours with the club.

Terry’s medal-winning haul includes four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups.

He also won the Europa League during Rafael Benitez’s brief stint as Chelsea manager and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2012 despite being suspended for the final against German giants Bayern Munich.

Terry’s statement indicated that he could return to Stamford Bridge in a different role when he finally hangs up his boots.

"The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days," he said.

"We had some really positive talks but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave.

"I’ve always been conscious that I depart at the right time, in the right way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right time for the club and I.

"I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me.

"I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware."

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added "Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done for this football club.

"He has been an outstanding player, inspirational captain and has always demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the cause.

"He will always be held in the highest regard by everybody at Stamford Bridge and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future." — AFP