Chelsea legend John Terry set to quit English football as he nears deal with betting company
Chelsea legend is a free agent after leaving Aston Villa in the summer and has hinted he wants to keep playing - but if he agrees tie-up with gambling firm he would be barred from playing in England
JOHN TERRY looks to have played his last game in English football - after entering talks over a commercial deal with a bookmaker.
Terry is a free agent having spent last season playing with Aston Villa, and has suggested he still believes he can continue as a player at the age of 37.
But SunSport understands the former Chelsea and England captain is in detailed discussion with a leading gambling firm over becoming an ambassador.
FA rules make it clear that any player in the English game must not have any association with any betting firms.
So the fact he is so far along the line of agreeing the new tie-up is a clear indication Terry has decided he will not join any other club in the Premier League or Championship this season.
It brings to an end a career in this country which saw him lift five Premier League titles with Chelsea along with three FA Cup victories.
He also held aloft the Champions League in 2012, although that joy was tempered by the fact he was suspended for the final against Bayern Munich.
But it does not necessarily mean the end of his professional career as a player.
For the rules against linking up with a gambling firm only govern players playing in this country - leaving the defender free to find a club overseas.
Terry was this week spotted at Marseille's training camp in Portugal, where the French squad were being put through their paces in pre-season training.
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He has a home in Portugal and started learning the language, so could continue his career there if he found a club.
And there has been strong interest from China for the past three years, where a string of clubs have shown a willingness to take him to the country's Super League.
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