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John Terry is the best defender in Premier League history, says Gary Cahill

John Terry is the best defender in Premier League history, says Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill has hailed departing Chelsea captain John Terry as the "best defender in Premier League history."

Terry called time on a 22-year association with the Blues with a 26th-minute substitution - in recognition of his shirt number - before the club and Terry lifted their fourth Premier League trophy.

Cahill, who has been tipped to succeed Terry as permanent captain after a season of deputising, feels Terry's send-off was the perfect way to pay tribute to the 36-year-old storied career.

"You couldn't write it," Cahill told BBC Sport after Chelsea's 5-1 win over Sunderland.

"We woke up [on Sunday morning] hoping to celebrate lots of things; a win, lifting the trophy and the best defender in Premier League history.

"If you look at time spent at the top at a huge club, medals won, captain of his club, captain of his country.

"He's made so many appearances. It's a fantastic send-off for him."

Chelsea's Premier League commitments are over but they now look ahead to facing Arsenal in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.