John Terry took Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final exit to Atletico Madrid harder than most last night.

The man the Stamford Bridge faithful see as their captain, leader, legend, was in tears at the final whistle as his team’s hopes of claiming a second Champions League trophy in Lisbon washed away in west London.

Terry has put his body on the line time and time again for his beloved Blues. Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Madrid was no different.

After the goalless first leg in the Calderon his manager, Jose Mourinho, had insisted the skipper would not feature again the Premier League this season and would only turn out in the Champions League if they reached the final.

Leader: Terry is adored by Chelsea's fans

As he has done so often in his 16 years at the Bridge, Terry defied the odds.

He worked round-the-clock on his fitness to overcome the ankle injury that threatened to keep him out of the second leg and took his place in the heart of the defence, looking to banish a few demons that have plagued him for the past few years.

For Terry, the Champions League is a competition that holds dark memories. This year, possibly his last with the club unless a new deal can be agreed, could have offered him the chance for redemption.

Low: Terry looks dejected after missing the crucial penalty in Moscow

He first reached the final with Chelsea in Moscow in 2008, losing on penalties to Manchester United, where the tears streamed once more as Terry missed the penalty that would have handed the Blues the trophy.

Four years later and the Blues were back in European football’s biggest game.

In Munich, though, Terry was a mere spectator. The central defender was banned for a moment of madness against Barcelona and could only watch from the stands as his team heroically saw off Bayern in their own back-yard.

He was mocked for changing into his Chelsea kit and joining in with the celebrations.

That ridicule has haunted the defender, with opposition fans quick to use it as a stick to beat him with. Had Chelsea made it to Lisbon this year, Terry would have been free to play a full part.

Mocked: John Terry was taunted by opposition fans for changing to his full kit in Munich

Last night, the 33-year-old gave his all. He very nearly scored with a header at the start of the second half, only to be thwarted by Thibaut Courtois, who appears increasingly likely to finally play for his west London parent club next season.

Will he be lining up behind Terry?

The most likely answer is yes. He has made his position quite clear to the Chelsea board: he wants to stay. However, the fact remains, Terry is out of contract this summer. No deal has yet been agreed and there is a possibility he could leave.

Top keeper: Atletico Madrid's Thibaut Courtois is on loan from Chelsea

Along with Frank Lampard, his good friend, the so called old-guard are in the twilight of their careers. But Lampard’s absence was greatly felt in yesterday’s match and he clearly still has much to offer to Mourinho’s side.

Terry is no different. He has formed a solid defensive partnership with compatriot Gary Cahill and is far from finished with the game, with his decision to quit international football only prolonging his club career.

The tears of last night will only drive on the lionhearted defender to come back stronger. Terry will be back.