Guus Hiddink thinks age is no barrier to John Terry as the Chelsea defender looks set to extend his Chelsea stay into a 19th season.
The captain, leader, legend appeared destined to leave west London after revealing the club had told him he would not be offered a new deal in January.
Terry is out of contract in the summer but is still loved by the fans, who demonstrated their support for the 35-year-old with a banner in Liverpool on Wednesday.
It seems Chelsea chiefs have taken notice and Roman Abramovich ordered a meeting between Terry and club advisors on Thursday to thrash out a deal.
Director Marina Granovskaia and chairman Bruce Buck laid out a one-year extension for the centre-back and the former England captain is now considering the proposal.
John Terry's Chelsea career highlights in pictures:
Interim Blues boss Hiddink, who will soon be heading out the door as Antonio Conte prepares to take over this summer, has seen enough to suggest Terry should play on.
He said: “I think once the two are talking to each other regarding the future it is a good sign for everyone.
“Nature is also doing his work but this man [Terry] is rather fit. When sometimes I talk to him and he says I was never the fastest but I was always arriving in time.
“It’s not about age with this man. He’s mentally strong and also good for the younger people. He’s very good for the academy boys, to inspire them.
“Clubs must be very aware of using the strengths of those guys.
“I’m always in favour when they’ve had a beautiful career with a club, they must maybe switch off in their career and go in another path.
“But when the club has the opportunity to integrate them in their culture I’m in favour always.
Watch: Chelsea reveal John Terry contract offer
“The players must know have said farewell to their game and must make a transition to another path.
“Most of the legends are simple persons. They know the game, they have felt the success, the failure, they know football and if they can transfer that to the young boys it’s perfect.”
The 35-year-old defender Terry has made 703 appearances since his debut in October 1998, but he is suspended for Sunday’s final game of the season against Leicester.
A Chelsea spokesperson said of the contract situation on Friday: "Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck met with John and his agent this week and offered him a one-year contract extension.
"With it coming so late in the season, this is a big decision for John and his family and it is something that they are now considering."
