After Terry's retirement from international duty, his body began to give up on him. He suffered knee damage against Liverpool in November 2012, and was restricted to only 27 appearances in all competitions, his lowest turnout since the pre-Abramovich days. With Rafa Benitez choosing to rotate him on his return from injury, it looked like he was being eased out of the first-team picture. However, Jose Mourinho's return has seen him play every league minute so far this season, as he passes the 600-appearance mark for Chelsea. A big part of a World Cup is the requirement to play up to three games in a week. Ledley King is one example of a supremely talented defender who just couldn't manage the physical strain. Terry, even after retiring from international football, can still reach the highest of fitness levels. On the other hand, like we have seen many times before, this season may take its toll on Terry and so many others. The vast Brazil heat will test the endurance of the fittest footballer, and there is a good chance that the former England captain may feel he is better off out of it. Many Chelsea fans would certainly agree.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
