Chelsea's John Terry is a 'role model' and 'up there with the best', says Manchester United defender Chris Smalling

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Chelsea fans will pay tribute to John Terry by displaying only their 'JT: Captain, Leader, Legend' banner at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and the sentiment is echoed by his opposition.

Manchester United's Chris Smalling has spoken in glowing terms about Terry, before they go head-to-head in west London in the 4pm kick-off, following news the Blues captain wouldn't be offered a contract beyond this season.

Fans have reacted emotionally to the possibility of Terry playing for any other club after he revealed details of a meeting with club executives last month, and Smalling's words show how highly the 35-year-old is regarded by those he's played with and against.

Chelsea captain John Terry is a 'role model' for any centre-half, says Manchester United's Chris Smalling

Chelsea fans' 'JT: Captain, Leader, Legend' banner will be the only one on display against Manchester United

Smalling will go head-to-head on Sunday with Terry, who's not been offered a Blues contract for next season

'Anyone who wants to be a centre-half would have to say that John Terry is a role model,' Smalling told The Sunday Mirror in an interview.  

'John has never had blistering pace, but he didn't need it because he's always in the right place for every situation. He also gets the other players to work around him and that has enabled him to have such a great career.

'John is a class performer. He has played all season and, while Chelsea's results haven't been great, I have no doubt that he's definitely got more years in the locker. I would put him right up there with the very best.' 

After Chelsea's 5-1 win at MK Dons in the FA Cup, Terry said he'd been told last month that he wouldn't be given a new deal next season and the fan reaction was emphatic with his name was sung during Wednesday's goalless draw at Watford.  

Chelsea fans show their support for Terry during their Premier League clash against Watford at Vicarage Road

Smalling, now the leader of England and United's defence, says Terry has 'more years in the locker'

The club and interim manager Guus Hiddink have attempted to soften their stance on Terry's future, saying there are more discussions to be had, especially when a permanent manager is hired, and that the decision isn't final.

But the 35-year-old defender is treating the lack of an offer seriously with Chelsea's disappointing season  and planning his next move with interest from around the world - including cashed-up clubs in China and the US's Major League Soccer.

Terry made it clear he didn't want to play against Chelsea, ruling out a move to a rival Premier League club.