Chelsea captain John Terry could yet remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of this season, with the door remaining "open" regarding discussions over a new contract. Following the FA Cup win over Milton Keynes Dons, the 35-year-old announced he would be leaving the west London club in the summer after not being handed a fresh deal.

The ex-England skipper has signed one-year extensions in each of his last two seasons with the Blues but is set to be allowed to leave the club – following the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech in being offloaded. Terry joined the club at the age of 15 and has gone on to become their most successful captain, winning four Premier League titles amid 16 major honours.

Following the news, Chelsea reacted to Terry's claims by stating the lines of communication remain open but no new deal could be offered at the present time. Interim boss Guus Hiddink has reiterated that stance and believes Terry will not allow his standards to slip.

"It was said by John and he is entitled with his contract ending to make up his mind," he told reporters at a pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League trip to Watford. "On the other hand, and I don't want to overvalue the attention we are giving it, the club still wants to have a dialogue to have an open door. He is completely entitled to do so as his contract as expired.

"There was no specific decision made. You have to see what is coming up with the transition of the new manager and that is the main things we have to say about this, from the club's side. The door is not shut, dialogue is always possible.

"John is very fit and is not what you normally see in the 35 to 36-year-old player. 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."

The final day of the transfer window was dominated by Chelsea attempting to offload two strikers, in the form of Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy, though at the time of writing both players remain contracted to the club. Remy was due to join Leicester City but the deal was blocked, while Falcao was expected to move to China, a move that could yet be completed as the Super League transfer window is open until 26 February.

"There is not much to say because we didn't want to do much," the Chelsea boss added. "We thought we had one or two less players for a few positions and the club responded. I don't know if it's true that the club were prepared to sell him [Remy]. When Remy is fit he is one of us again. I can't say at this moment [if Falcao will still move to China]."

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