Shanghai Shenhua boss Gus Poyet says he believes the chances of John Terry making a move from Chelsea to the Chinese Super League are very real.
Blues legend Terry, 36, is calling time on his trophy-laden career at Stamford Bridge – during which he won 14 major trophies – and seeking pastures new to see out a dazzling career in the game.
He is set to leave champions-elect Chelsea, who beat Southampton 4-2 in the Premier League last night to edge closer to top flight glory, on a free transfer in the summer. It follows 22 years loyal service and Poyet, his former team-mate in London, reckons the CSL would benefit massively if he made the switch.
Terry must decide on his future come the end of the current campaign; and he is said to be weighing up various offers, with clubs from the MLS and Middle East, as well as in England, said to be keen to recruit him
And Poyet is under no illusion how much of a boost the game in China would receive if he chose to move. He said: “It is a great opportunity for him and for all the teams here in China, including us. The latest change of the quantity of foreigners on the pitch stops some clubs from bringing in defenders, but we are talking about a special one.
“It is a great possibility that China will be one of the possible situations for John Terry in the future. It is a very difficult decision whether to stay in England or go abroad. I would like him not to play in the Premier League for another club — maybe I’m a little bit selfish.”