Jack Grealish sends message to Chelsea legend John Terry after Aston Villa exit

Jack Grealish bid John Terry a fond farewell after his exit from Aston Villa was confirmed.

Grealish, the club captain, played with Terry at Villa Park before he returned as part of the backroom staff.

Since Dean Smith took over, Villa earned promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, narrowly survived relegation before establishing themselves in 11th place last season.

Terry, 40, is said to have played a big role in adding defensive stability to the Villa backline last season but has decided to pursue a career in management.

Grealish was fond of the Chelsea legend – who has made no secret of his desire to one day return to the Stamford Bridge dugout – and wished him the best after his decision to move on.

‘What a legend,’ England international Grealish posted along with a heart emoji. ‘All the best JT.’

Terry described his exit as an ‘extremely difficult decision’

‘It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to have spent these last three years at Aston Villa, but I feel now is the right time to make the extremely difficult decision to move on,’ said Terry.

‘I want to be as respectful to the manager and everyone at Aston Villa as I can and, having given my future serious consideration over the summer, I genuinely don’t feel it is fair to move into a new season without being certain of seeing that through.

‘My immediate plan is to spend some quality time with my family and, thereafter, hopefully take up some invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to develop my aim and objective of becoming a manager.

‘It has always been my ambition to move into football management and, providing the right opportunity presents itself, I feel ready to take up such a challenge.

‘I would like to thank Christian Purslow and our owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.

‘And I will forever be indebted to the Gaffer for giving me the opportunity to start my coaching career at such a wonderful club. I have loved every minute of it and learnt so much.

‘I can’t thank Dean enough for the support and guidance he has provided me with and I’m sure he will continue to lead the club from strength to strength.

‘Finally, I would also like to thank all the players and staff and wish them all the very best for the season ahead and say a huge thank you to the wonderful Aston Villa fans for their support.’

Grealish’s own future remains in doubt. He has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, although contrasting reports claim he could be set to sign a record £200,000-a-week deal to stay with his boyhood club.

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