Frank Lampard hailed John Terry as the greatest defender in Premier League history after it was announced the Chelsea captain will leave Stamford Bridge.
Terry will end his 22-year association with Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season but the 36-year-old aims to continue his playing career.
The defender has not ruled out playing for another Premier League club and will also consider lucrative offers in China and America.
West Brom, Stoke and Bournemouth all made approaches to sign Terry in January but Lampard has reiterated comments made to Standard Sport last month that his former team-mate would not tarnish his legacy at Chelsea by joining another English club.
Staying in England will mean Terry would not have to uproot his family but a big-money move abroad may appeal.
Lampard, who spent a season at Manchester City after leaving Chelsea, said: “The last man standing of an incredible era for Chelsea.
“What a pleasure to play with the greatest defender in Premier League history. In fact, I would put him up with any defender in world football of any era.
“Whatever you do next I know everyone will respect your decision and I know that the Chels will always be your club. Absolute respect.”
Terry has not played for Chelsea in the Premier League since November but he will hope to lift the title for a fifth time in the coming weeks.
Terry has made 713 first-team appearances for the club since his debut in 1998 and has also won the Champions League, five FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League.
Lampard said: “You deserve every accolade you get over the next weeks and beyond and I hope you get what you deserve and lift two massive trophies at the end of the season (just to add to the tally).”
Terry, who has played just 10 times under Antonio Conte this season, has been working on his coaching badges and has been helping the Chelsea Under-15s.
Chelsea would be willing for Terry to return as a coach one day but he needs to get experience elsewhere before that happens.
Lampard added: “He led the club both on and off the pitch from the moment he made his debut.
“He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club.
“He is a legend, not just for his talent but just as much for his desire to get the best out of himself and others.”
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