For well over a decade, the expression ‘pulling a John Terry’ has been commonplace in soccer discussions.
For those unfamiliar since 2012, it alludes to Chelsea’s initial Champions League victory, where the previous Blues leader prominently participated in his squad’s trophy presentation, sporting a comprehensive uniform, despite his suspension for the concluding match.
Terry – considered Chelsea’s all-time finest player by a publication – received a red card eight minutes before halftime during Chelsea’s remarkable semi-final triumph over Barcelona for an off-the-ball incident involving Alexis Sanchez, preventing him from participating in the final against Bayern Munich, hosted at their Allianz Arena.
Terry on his complete uniform instance
Happening four years after Chelsea’s penalty defeat to Manchester United during the 2008 Champions League final, the Munich game was similarly intense.
The home team possessed the better opportunities but couldn’t overcome Petr Cech in Chelsea’s goal. Eventually, the score changed when Thomas Muller headed in a Toni Kroos cross in the 83rd minute, but Didier Drogba equalized five minutes later.
An additional period followed, and Chelsea held on, with Cech stopping an Arjen Robben penalty, leading to a penalty shootout which Drogba won.
Celebratory events followed, including Terry’s arrival from the spectator area, fully uniformed.
“I’ve borne the full force of this!,” Terry shared with FourFourTwo. “I have zero regrets about wearing it.
“Also, people should know: we received a letter from UEFA regarding it. After Man United’s 1999 victory, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, suspended, attended in formal wear.
“UEFA disliked that. They directly told us that all players, regardless of game involvement, needed to be fully uniformed.
“Branislav Ivanovic and Paulo Ferreira, also suspended, followed suit. Yet, I usually receive criticism. I was completely uniformed: boots, shinguards, captain’s armband – everything. And I’d repeat it.”
