The uncompromising nature of John Terry’s defensive approach was a defining characteristic of his play.
With over 800 appearances across his career playing for both his club and his nation, Terry consistently displayed immense bravery, leading to his ranking as no.4 in FourFourTwo’s list of the 20 best Premier League defenders of all-time. Remarkably, he managed to avoid any significant, long-term injuries throughout his career.
However, one of the most alarming episodes of Terry’s career occurred during the 2007 League Cup final. In this match, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory against Arsenal, but the game was marred when Terry’s head collided forcefully with the boot of Abou Diaby around the hour mark.
Terry on his scary 2007 League Cup final injury
It soon became evident that Terry was in a serious condition, leading to his substitution with Jon Obi Mikel. The match’s conclusion was marred by further incidents, as Mikel was later dismissed, along with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, during a heated period in stoppage time – events that Terry himself has no recollection of.
“That wasn’t my best moment!,” Terry mentioned to FourFourTwo. “I remember the corner being taken, and the ball landed just a few feet from the goal line. I was extremely excited, I thought I had a chance to score.”
“I was kicked and lost consciousness instantly. I was very fortunate that Arsenal’s physiotherapist, Gary Lewin, happened to be in the vicinity, not far away on the pitch. He knew me well from our time together with England.
“He rushed onto the field, removed my tongue to clear my airway, and effectively saved my life. Without his swift action, the outcome could have been drastically different.”
“En route to the hospital, still wearing my full kit in the ambulance, I was disoriented and unsure of my location. I underwent a brain scan, but I disregarded the medical advice and discharged myself promptly because we had won, and I wanted to join my teammates in celebration.
“They begrudgingly allowed me to leave, but they wouldn’t arrange any transport. So I left the hospital still in my kit, walked to a taxi rank in Cardiff, and asked to be taken back to the stadium.
“I can only imagine what the taxi driver thought. I was still feeling quite unwell, but I went out to celebrate that night and had a great time with everyone. When I got home, I slept for nearly two full days.
“The Chelsea doctor visited me a couple of times, but otherwise, I was just asleep. I admit it wasn’t a sensible decision, but it was an extraordinary day.”
