Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has described club captain John Terry as "irreplaceable", with the long-serving defender set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Terry, one of just three players to make over 700 appearances for the club, will depart almost 20 years after making his first-team debut.
Spain international Fabregas, himself linked with a departure next season, said the loss of the former England skipper will be difficult to comprehend.
"The news did come as a surprise," Fabregas told talkSPORT. "There was a lot of talk and speculation that it could be his last year but we didn't know for sure.
"I think it's a very personal decision between him and the club. It's a shame because I cannot see anyone replacing the role he does in the team. He is irreplaceable for now."
Terry has made just 10 appearances for Antonio Conte's side this season, but has the opportunity to bow out on a victorious note, as the Blues look to add Premier League and FA Cup winner's medals to the 16 major titles the 36-year-old has won in his career.
"We will miss him and hopefully we can lift two trophies at the end of the season for him. That would be amazing," Fabregas added.
"You always play the game at your maximum but to be able to win two trophies for him and lift them before he goes and says goodbye to everyone would be major for him and fantastic for Chelsea."
Chelsea face Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-finals, while they hold a four-point advantage over Spurs in the Premier League with six games to play.
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