After rejecting the chance to join Russia's Spartak Moscow earlier this week, Chelsea legend John Terry has been presented with an opportunity to rejoin his old club. Ahead of Saturday's Premier League tie against Cardiff City, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri explained that he is 'open to the idea' of Terry's surprise return.
However, the former Napoli manager Sarri is not entertaining the thought of Terry's return in a playing capacity. Should he return to Stamford Bridge, it will be as a member of Sarri's coaching staff.
"It's up to him. If he wants to play for another season, I think it's right that he tried to play. But if he wants to help us, I'm really very happy.
“I think in the coaching staff, I think. Because, as I said before, I want to give space to the young players. Fortunately, we have very strong young players: Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Ampadu... and I'd like to give them the right space."
John Terry spent last season playing for Steve Bruce at Aston Villa, and, amid rumours that the Birmingham club would happily welcome the former England captain back into the fold, Terry must now decide whether he is ready to call time on his playing career for the purpose of rejoining Chelsea.
As Sarri revealed this afternoon, it is something he has previously discussed with the defender.
"The last time I have spoken with him, he told me that he wants to play for another season. ... I am talking about a week ago."
Surmising that the decision is Terry's alone tonight, Sarri highlighted his own awareness of what the Chelsea defender of almost two decades means to the club, and how happy he would be to welcome him 'home.'
