Frank Lampard has said that John Terry's Chelsea legacy would not be affected if he played for another Premier League club next season -- as long as he doesn't join Tottenham.
Terry, 36, is out of contract this summer and it is not yet clear if Chelsea will offer a contract extension to their captain, who has made just one Premier League appearance since Antonio Conte's decision to switch to a 3-4-3 formation in late September.
Lampard controversially opted to play one final season in England with title rivals Manchester City after being released by Chelsea in the summer of 2014, but was still given a hero's welcome when presented to Stamford Bridge during last Saturday's 3-1 win over Swansea City.
And the 38-year-old, who announced his retirement from professional football at the beginning of last month, is confident that Chelsea fans will support Terry whatever decision he makes over his future.
"It didn't change the way I feel about Chelsea and I don't think it changed the way they feel about me," Lampard told the London Evening Standard after being honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to London Football at the London Football Awards on Tuesday. "I gave everything for the club and John certainly has.
"I know whatever he does he'll be a legend -- unless he signs for Tottenham! He wouldn't do that but he needs to make his decision now, whether that is play in the Premier League, go abroad or go into management. It's his decision and I think every Chelsea fan will respect that."
Chelsea swept the top prizes at the London Football Awards, with N'Golo Kante winning Premier League Player of the Year and Antonio Conte being named London Manager of the Year in his first season in English football.
Conte has spectacularly revived Chelsea's fortunes and led the team to a 10-point lead at the top of the table, and Lampard is hopeful that the Italian will be able to create a lasting legacy at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if Conte can build a dynasty at Chelsea, Lampard said: "He has definitely got the attributes, so you would look at him now and say yes -- but who knows what the future holds?
"It depends on how he feels, how the club feels and how the future pans out. I am very happy with him and if he carries on the way he is, he will stay there for a long time.
"We hope that will happen. What he is doing at the moment is fantastic. It is very hard to look too far forward in football, but what he is doing is a great thing for the club because last year there was a lot of negative talk and he changed that very quickly. Long may it continue."