Champions Chelsea became the first English side to register 30 top-flight victories in a 38-game season as they said farewell to captain John Terry with a comfortable Premier League win over bottom club Sunderland.
The Premier League trophy is back where it belongs! #ChelseaChampions pic.twitter.com/AVWkXKcvEg
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2017
The Blues, who sealed their sixth top-flight title nine days ago, fell behind to an early Javier Manquillo strike but hit back quickly through Willian’s angled drive.
Eden Hazard lashed in his 17th goal of the season to give the home side the lead before his replacement, Pedro, capitalised on a poor backward header from Joleon Lescott to head in.
Another substitute, Michy Batshuayi, ensured the win was an emphatic one with two well-taken finishes late on to end his season with five goals in three games.
It was an emotional send-off for defender Terry, who left the field in tears to a guard of honour from his team-mates in a pre-planned substitution in the 26th minute, matching his shirt number.
Stamford Bridge was adorned with banners dedicated to Terry, many of them hailing him as the Blues’ ‘captain, leader and legend’.
Captain. Leader. Legend. ?#ChelseaChampions pic.twitter.com/3YUSqPVSPz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2017
Since making his debut as a late substitute in a League Cup tie against Aston Villa in October 1998, the centre-back has become synonymous with the Blues, and in the Roman Abramovich era he has been their standout academy player among a raft of big-money recruits.
His 26th-minute substitution, which halted the game while he was given a guard of honour by his own team, was of his own design as a fitting way to say goodbye to the club that has been his home for 22 years.
His real parting moment, though, came after full-time when he and his natural successor as Blues captain, Gary Cahill, held aloft the Premier League trophy – the 15th major trophy the 36-year-old has won during his time at the club.
Addressing the crowd, Terry said: “Today is one of the most difficult days of my life.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work with some unbelievable players and managers throughout my career. I’m thankful to every single one of them.
“We all have to thank Roman Abramovich. I’d like to thank him and all the board. He’s the best owner in world football.”
