Calling time on his Chelsea career must have been a horrible decision to make for John Terry.
As the club's most successful captain, winning four Premier League titles while wearing the armband, the 36-year-old lives and breathes Chelsea.
But as a veteran of the game, the end is nigh. At the end of the season, Terry will say goodbye to Stamford Bridge in search of regular football.
Bournemouth, West Ham and Crystal Palace are amongst those willing to fulfil his desire of staying in the Premier League, with a return to the Hammers most likely.
In an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans, Terry explained why he announced his departure half way through the season.
"It's with overwhelming emotion that earlier this week the club and I announced this will be my last season as a Chelsea player," he said.
"This has been the toughest decision of my life for me and my family, but I always envisaged leaving on the right terms, in the right way and at the right time - and that is now.
"I feel I still have regular football in me but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited, it is therefore time for a new challenge."
Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba - among many other Chelsea legends - have both penned incredible tributes to their former teammate on Instagram, such is their bond.
However, as if losing Terry wasn't hard enough for Blues fans, he's just given another heartbreaking reminder of what they're losing.
Chelsea posted a picture of Terry holding the Premier League trophy on Instagram today asking fans to 'spot the difference' (see below).
But what most fans probably didn't notice was the wonderful comment Terry left: "@chelseafc nothing is missing 💙 I have EVERYTHING right there in that photo 💙🏆 my family."
It doesn't get much more emotional than that. Despite the shock announcement, Terry insists his focus is still on helping Chelsea to Premier League glory.
"I want to stress that the journey is not yet over," he added. "There is a long way to go and we are committed to ending this campaign on a high.
"I am fully focused on helping the team and manager in every way I can from now until the end of the season."