Chelsea captain John Terry remains 'very hopeful' over new deal at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea captain John Terry has revealed he is still "very hopeful" of being offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge. The Blues icon is out of contract at the end of the season, and the club has yet to offer him fresh terms, prompting speculation he will leave the Premier League giants.

Terry, 35, confessed the thought of walking out at Stamford Bridge for the last time as a Chelsea player is something he has already contemplated.

"I think when you have a one-year contract it pops into your head but who knows what the future will bring for me?" the Premier League-winning captain shared, according to The Mirror. "I'm still very hopeful. I've been there for 21 years and I will never give up until it finally happens. Who knows?"

Despite his advancing years, Terry retains confidence in his talent, even though he has come under fire for his performances this season. "I've still got a lot to give whether that is here or somewhere else," said Terry, who made his Chelsea debut in 1998.

His remarks come shortly after Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink praised Terry, but insisted the decision on the skipper's future was not up to him. "John is very fit and is not what you normally see in the 35 to 36-year-old player," he said. "He is performing while I am here and he will do regardless of the situation which he and the club is in now. He will be not just professional but he will work hard as well. It is not up to me."