John Terry 'couldn't care less about criticism' of Chelsea farewell

John Terry has claimed he “could not care less” about the criticism he has faced for the manner of his Chelsea farewell.

The Blues captain made his final appearance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, arranging his own substitution after 26 minutes when Sunderland agreed to kick the ball into touch.

Terry departed to a guard of honour from his Chelsea team-mates, a contrived farewell that was criticised by several former players.

However the 36-year-old was in no mood to apologise to those who may have been unimpressed with his farewell.

"I couldn't care less, I promise you," Terry said. "All I care about is celebrating with my Chelsea fans. Me and them have a wonderful rapport and have done for 22 years.

"Nothing that people write or say can ever get in the way of that.

"If that's the way I want to go out, that's the way I go out because I've been here 22 years, I've won so many trophies - so if I wanted to play one minute and come off, I would have done.

"I wanted to play 26 minutes because the shirt number means a lot to me and the supporters so as long as they are happy - and I was over the moon with the reception - I promise you I could not care less."

However the debate around Terry’s substitution looks likely to continue for some time yet, with the Football Association having written to bookmakers as they investigate whether the exit amounts to spot-fixing.

Paddy Power said three punters had won thousands of pounds at odds of 100-1.

There are no suggestions that the decision to leave the pitch was anything other than a farewell gesture on Terry’s behalf.

Terry could make his 718th appearance for Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup Final but no matter the outcome against Arsenal it will do well to top his Stamford Bridge farewell.

"It was an unbelievable send-off from the supporters to help me to celebrate 22 years at the club," he added.

"I'm very grateful to them, and it was something I will never forget. It was so emotional after the game, I was in bits."