LONDON -- Chelsea captain John Terry is mulling over the offer of a one-year contract extension which includes "a different role" with the club.
Ahead of manager Guus Hiddink's final prematch news conference on Friday, a Chelsea spokesman announced that Terry is considering an offer of a one-year contract extension after talks with director Marina Granovskaia and chairman Bruce Buck this week.
Terry had expected to leave Chelsea when his current deal expires this summer, having been informed in January that no offer of an extension was forthcoming, though the Blues subsequently insisted that "channels of dialogue" would remain open with their captain over his future.
A photo posted by John Terry (@johnterry.26) on
The 35-year-old has repeatedly voiced his desire to shun interest from China and the Middle East in favour of prolonging his playing career at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea supporters protested against their club's treatment of Terry during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Terry believes he can play on for one or two more years at the top level, but hinted that he would have to accept a reduced role next season under incoming head coach Antonio Conte. There is also a possibility the new role includes some coaching.
Terry wrote on Instagram: "Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes.
"The contract extension the club has offered me is a different role and I hope everyone will understand I want to take the time to consider it carefully before making a decision.''
Meanwhile, Hiddink believes that regardless of Terry's final decision, Chelsea can make use of their captain's commitment and vast experience in a non-playing capacity when he retires, though the Dutchman says that a break from the daily affairs of Stamford Bridge would help Terry before he embarks on a coaching career.
"Clubs must be very aware of using the strengths of those guys," Hiddink said. "When they have a beautiful career and are attached to one club -- Manchester United have had some very good players, legends -- they should switch off for a year, or half a year, and then come back.
"They must switch off from their [playing] career before going down another path. When a club has an opportunity to integrate them in their culture, I'm always in favour of that.
"The condition is the players -- when they know they have said farewell to their playing days, they must make a transition in their lives too.
"But most of the legends are 'simple' people. They know the game, they have felt the success and failure of the game, and if they can transfer that to the young boys, it's perfect."
The announcement of Terry's contract offer could not have been more timely, with many Chelsea supporters planning to voice their displeasure at the situation when newly-crowned Premier League champions Leicester City visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Asked if he thought the news would improve the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, Hiddink replied: "I think once the two [parties] are talking to each other regarding the near future it's a good signal for everyone -- in the stands as well."
ESPN FC correspondent Liam Twomey and PA Sport contributed to this report.