John Terry has put pen to paper on a one-year contract with Championship outfit Aston Villa.
The Chelsea legend, 36, who left Stamford Bridge after 22 years service towards the end of the previous 2016-17 campaign, has been described as the ‘biggest signing’ of Villans boss Steve Bruce’s career.
The former England and Blues captain made 717 appearances for Chelsea in all appearances since his first-team debut 19 years ago, going onto win five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two FA Community Shields, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce.
Terry, who turned down Premier League offers from the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Swansea City and West Brom, told the club’s official website, “It’s a club I have admired from afar for many years – there are fantastic facilities at Bodymoor Heath, Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums in the country and there’s a good group of players here, with an experienced and successful manager in Steve Bruce.
“I can’t wait to get started now and look to help the squad achieve something special this season.”
Terry will wear the familiar No.26 shirt at Villa Park for the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.