John Terry is an unmistakable symbol of Chelsea and one of the most respected defenders in the Premier League. He built his legacy on leadership, commitment, and a courage that transcended the rigors of any match. Captain for more than a decade and a quarter at the heart of the defense, he was not only key in winning titles, but also embodied the fighting spirit of the London team.

His career, with more than 800 official games, is full of unforgettable moments, but two singular experiences reveal the mettle and determination that made him an idol at Stamford Bridge.

Football often reserves unexpected twists for those willing to take on any challenge. The same thing happened on October 14, 2006, when Terry was forced to take over in goal during a game against Reading. That afternoon, Chelsea first lost its starting goalkeeper, Petr Cech, to a serious skull fracture, and then his replacement, Carlo Cudicini, who was knocked unconscious after a collision in the final minutes.

With all substitutions exhausted, the unusual scene became a reality: the captain, wearing the No. 1 jersey and borrowed gloves, stood in goal amid maximum tension.

"I was really nervous. It came after a very nasty injury to Petr Cech, and then Carlo Cudicini was knocked unconscious. Reading was a big, physical team, so it was going to be a huge test for any outfield player who had to go in goal," the former England player related in an interview with FourFourTwo.

But what seemed like an improvised decision was actually the result of meticulous preparation by then-coach Jose Mourinho. "It was always going to be me. Jose asked us in his early days at Chelsea: 'If anything ever happens to my two goalkeepers and we have no substitutions left, who volunteers?' I told him I would do it. That says a lot about him, because from then on, I would finish practice by playing in goal to prepare myself if that day came. Even the kit man would bring a pair of gloves just for me to every game, in case they were needed. Nothing was left to chance with Jose," he explained.

Two years after that tacit agreement, the promise came to life. The defender, more accustomed to clearing balls than stopping shots, had to improvise. "I was so nervous I didn't even dare take a normal goal kick. I just bounced the ball twice and volleyed it clear, for which I was teased for a long time afterwards," he confessed with a laugh.

Despite the nerves, his performance proved decisive: Chelsea held on to the slender lead and took the victory. "I remember everyone that I kept a clean sheet, so I'm one of the few goalkeepers in history with a one hundred percent record. I'm delighted with that!" he noted with pride.

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