Why I charge £100 per autograph – John Terry

Former Chelsea captain, John Terry, has clarified his decision to charge fans £100 for autographs amid recent criticism.

The 46-year-old, who recently faced scrutiny for this practice, has disclosed that all proceeds generated from his solo tour will be directed towards his charitable foundation.

The former England defender kicked off his tour with a performance in Basingstoke last Friday. Initially, controversy arose when it was revealed that, in addition to the £25 ticket price, fans were being asked to contribute £100 for a single autograph and £500 for the opportunity to dine with the football superstar.

Terry emphasized that those quick to criticize him had overlooked the fact that all the funds raised are earmarked for his John Terry 26 Foundation, which provides support to various charitable causes.

“The big thing – and this is very important – the big thing that they forgot to mention is that all proceeds from these events that I’ve been doing – and the only reason that I signed up – is to raise money for my foundation, for the John Terry 26 Foundation.

“I set my foundation up about seven or eight months ago because I wanted to do something personal and on my own where I’m going to be eventually hosting a gala dinner, golf events throughout the year, and any opportunities to raise money for my foundation.

“I’ve been working very closely with various different charities over the last 22 years being Chelsea captain and seeing a lot of terminal and ill and sick children along the way, which is something that’s always been something very close to my heart and always will be.

“So rather than doing it for one specific charity, I’ve been focusing on my own foundation in the last six or seven months.

“And this tour that I’m doing, this Q&A that I’m doing, is part of that.

“But like I said, the key thing that the press have forgotten to write is that all proceeds from this event [will go to charity]. And I didn’t want this publicised, and I agreed with the guys, because I don’t think it’s right for me to publicise that.

“But now they’ve raised the issue and I will address it. So every penny from these events goes towards my John Terry 26 Foundation.

“I apologise for coming out a day or two days late, but I’ll touch on why I didn’t touch on this yesterday: because, again, I was at another charity day working for BGC in London with obviously the very sad news of the World Trade Centres and something that I’ve done for the last five or six years and I’ll continue to do.

“But again, giving up my time, giving up my day, for all these charities is something that’s very important to me and I’ll never stop that. Really frustrating for me actually and I’m just fed up with the press writing s**t over and over again.”