After 21 years and over 700 appearances for Chelsea, John Terry faces the possibility of being forced out of the club he loves in the most unflattering way possible - suited up in the stands.
His red card in the final stages of Chelsea’s capitulation at Sunderland was an act of desperation, he evidently wants to prove himself to the club's hierarchy and incoming manager Antonio Conte.
But with a two-match suspension in place, the 35-year-old no longer has that opportunity, and the fans won’t have the chance to bid their captain farewell on the pitch in the final home game of the season against newly crowned champions Leicester City next weekend.
Terry has remained quiet over his future, but has taken every opportunity to suggest that he could still stay at Stamford Bridge.
He remains in good shape but his pace continues to diminish and he was partly at fault for Chelsea's second and third goals against Sunderland, as the ball deflected off him for Fabio Borini's strike and he lost Jermain Defoe for the winner.
He was also guilty of playing Harry Kane onside in Monday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham - evidence that mistakes are beginning to become more frequent.
But if Terry can accept going from a key player to a squad player and help Conte with the defensive transition next season, then a contract extension makes sense for everyone involved.
There’s also the possibility of learning the ropes in a coaching role under Conte - the man who guided Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles.
And as for a lack of leaders, should Terry depart, John Obi Mikel will be Chelsea’s most senior player having been at the club for a decade, and he only secured a regular role after Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Elsewhere, Gary Cahill has struggled to find form, while Cesc Fabregas has been anonymous for the majority of the season. Leaders are not in abundance at Stamford Bridge.
What could ultimately count against Terry is his reaction to Mourinho’s departure.
The board were reportedly unhappy that Terry publicly backed the 53-year-old following his sacking in December.
The lack of openness on the issue has led to a lot of distrust and anger and there have been rumours that Terry is paying for his own leaving party at Stamford Bridge, renting out the pitch for £22,000.
Terry may miss Chelsea’s last two games but he’s shown enough to warrant an extended deal - but the fallen Premier League champions need to act fast to find a suitable replacement....
- Goal