Terry hails ‘best fans in the world’

John Terry praised Chelsea’s “incredible” fans after playing his first home game for the club since announcing he was not being offered s new contract.

Terry, who made his debut in 1998, starred in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United and received rousing support from the Stamford Bridge crowd throughout.

The defender said: “For me, they are the best fans in the world. Incredible. What they have done as 14-year-old and 17-year-old boy I will never forget. The memories will live with me forever.

“The club is the most important thing and there is no communication between me and the club at the moment. I said what I had to say. I made it very clear I wanted to stay.”

Diego Costa’s injury-time goal preserved Chelsea’s unbeaten record under boss Guus Hiddink.

“I think we deserved a point. We dropped too far back and for the first 20 minutes they dominated us without having big chances and a big threat,” said Hiddink.

“We got some chances but the second half was a bit similar in the first minutes and they made a beautiful goal. But after that we reacted very well and deserved at least the point.”

More reaction from Stamford Bridge to follow.