The football fraternity came together this weekend to laud John Terry after he announced his playing days are over.
Terry took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal he had hung up his boots at the age of 37.
The former Chelsea and England centre back had a glittering career which saw him captain both his club and country.
He won five Premier League titles, the FA Cup on five occasions and the Champions League during his time at the Blues.
Jamie Carragher, who Terry kept out of the England team during their heyday, labelled his former rival ‘the best centre back in the Premier League era’ after hearing the news.
Frank Lampard, who played with Terry for 13 years at Stamford Bridge, said he was ‘honoured’ to play alongside his close friend for Chelsea and England.
Michael Ballack praised Terry while also criticising the lack of leaders in modern football in his Instagram post.
The German wrote: ‘One of the last true leaders leaves the pitch… what a player.’
Didier Drogba, who also enjoyed great success at Chelsea alongside Terry, reflected on the trophies they won together while also claiming his former captain owes him money for a bet.
He said on Instagram: ‘Congrats on your amazing career my captain. It was a pleasure playing and winning all these trophies with you.
‘PS: you still haven’t paid me the bet we did years ago, so please do it before I tell all my followers.’
Steven Gerrard, like Carragher, was embroiled in many battles with Terry’s Chelsea but found time to laud his old nemesis.
The Rangers boss said: ‘Congratulations on great career JT it was a pleasure to play alongside you in an England shirt and thank you for all the amazing battles over the years at club level . Good luck with your future plans.’
Terry’s close friend and former team-mate Jody Morris, Gary Lineker and Patrick van Aanholt also waxed lyrical on the retired defender.
Aston Villa, who are the last club Terry played for, congratulated the Chelsea legend for having an illustrious career at the top level.
Terry is now expected to rejoin Villa as assistant manager to Thierry Henry.
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