John Terry Hits Out at Reports Claiming He is Charging Fans £100 for Autographs
Former Chelsea captain John Terry has hit out at reports claiming he is charging fans £100 per autograph and says all proceeds from his one-man tour are going to his charity foundation. The 42-year-old held the first of his four nights in Basingstoke last Friday and was criticised when it emerged that, in addition to paying £25 for a ticket, fans were also being asked to stump up £100 for one signature and £500-a-head to eat with him.
But Terry has now defended the pricing and hit out at the reports regarding his tour, saying they failed to mention that all money raised is going to his John Terry 26 Foundation which supports various charities.
‘Hi guys, just wanted to touch on the stories the press are writing about me charging fans £100 for signatures and photos and drinks or whatever that may be,’ he said on Instagram on Tuesday evening. ‘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.’
Terry went on to explain that he set up his foundation about seven or eight months ago because he wanted to do something personal and on his own where he could host a gala dinner, golf events throughout the year, and any other opportunities to raise money for his foundation. He also mentioned that he has 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 very close to his heart.
‘So rather than doing it for one specific charity, I’ve been focusing on my own foundation in the last six or seven months,’ he said. ‘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 this with the guys, because I don’t think it’s right for me to publicise that.’
Terry went on to explain why he didn’t address the issue earlier, saying he was at another charity day working for BGC in London with the very sad news of the World Trade Centres and something that he’s done for the last five or six years and will continue to do. He also said giving up his time and day for all these charities is something that’s very important to him and he’ll never stop that.
He concluded by saying he was frustrated with the press writing ‘s**t over and over again’ and reiterated that all proceeds from his tour are going to his charity foundation.
John Terry is an example of a former professional footballer who is using his platform to give back to those in need. His tour is a great way for him to raise money for his charity foundation while also giving fans a chance to meet their hero. It’s important to remember that all proceeds from this tour are going towards a good cause, so if you have the opportunity to attend one of his events, you should definitely take it.
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