Robbie Savage: 'John Terry substitute may signal the end for Chelsea captain'

Robbie Savage has said that Jose Mourinho's decision to substitute John Terry at half time of their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week could signal the beginning of the end for the Chelsea captain at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues skipper was swapped at the interval of last Sunday's reverse to title rivals City, and the defender has since been linked with a transfer away from Stamford Bridge, with Turkish side Fenerbahce said to be interested.

Savage told The Mirror: "Looking in the mirror and admitting you're no longer the force of old is one of the hardest truths for top players to confront.

"For me, John Terry's substitution at half time in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City was not manager Jose Mourinho sending a coded message to owner Roman Abramovich that he needs to sign new players.

"I'm convinced it sent a different signal – the beginning of the end for Terry as the indispensable rock at the heart of defence. Terry will be 35 in December, and age is finally catching up with him. There is no shame in that."

Mourinho's men travel to West Bromwich Albion this weekend.