John Terry was left red-faced after he was spotted outside Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium wearing a full Chelsea kit.
The 40-year-old arrived in the Turkish capital expecting to lead Chelsea’s celebrations should they emerge victorious from their all-English Champions League final showdown with Manchester City.
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However, the former Blues skipper was unaware UEFA had switched the final to the Estadio do Dragao in Porto due to COVID-19 restrictions. Eyewitnesses claim Terry walked into the Ataturk Olympic Stadium unnecessarily adjusting his captain’s armband and whistling the Champions League anthem.
The five-time Premier League winner then took his place in the dugout before a member of ground staff informed him the venue for the final had been changed. An inconsolable Terry did a lap of honour with his socks rolled down anyway, before asking the groundsman to ring him a taxi to the nearest airport.
Paddy Power News understands Terry arranged for one of Roman Abramovich’s private jets to pick him up then begged UEFA to delay the Champions League final kick-off until he landed in Portugal.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits it’s a race against time to have Terry available for the final, but he’s going to give the former skipper every opportunity.
“It wouldn’t feel right unless John was on the pitch in his full kit orchestrating the celebrations”, the German admitted to Paddy Power News.
Some of the boys have suggested Azpilicueta wear a John Terry mask when lifting the trophy.
“I think it would be a nice touch if John’s flight doesn’t make it on time”, added the former PSG coach.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s proposed victory parade has cancelled after failing to agree terms with local actors who were going to pose as supporters of the club.
Paddy Power News understands the open-top bus will instead do one quick lap of the Etihad Stadium for the benefit of the laundry room staff and Liam Gallagher.
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