The 2008 Champions League final remains one of the most painful memories of John Terry's career. That night in Moscow, Chelsea came agonizingly close to their first European title against Manchester United. After a 1-1 draw, the penalty shootout turned into a nightmare for the Blues. The London captain slipped as he took his shot and missed the decisive attempt, paving the way for the Red Devils' victory (6-5 on penalties).

Years later, the former centre-back reflected on the psychological consequences of this traumatic episode. In a podcast hosted by Reece Mennie, John Terry revealed how deeply this setback had affected him, to the point of causing him to go through a period of great mental distress.

“Looking back, I wish I could have spoken to someone at that moment. After the match, we were back at the hotel. I was on the 25th floor in Moscow, looking out the window and constantly asking myself, ‘Why? Why?’” he recounted. Without mentioning a specific action, the former England international admitted that very dark thoughts crossed his mind. “It’s those moments when you ask yourself, ‘What if?’ You never know,” he added, emphasizing the importance of the support from his teammates, who came to pull him out of his isolation.

This confession highlights the extreme pressure placed on elite athletes, even at the peak of their careers. For John Terry, time eventually healed the wounds. Four years after this sporting tragedy, he exacted his revenge by finally winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, thus fulfilling one of the greatest dreams of his career.