John Terry leaves Aston Villa as Chelsea legend hunts new role

John Terry has departed his role as assistant head coach at Aston Villa and the Chelsea legend is eyeing a new role in football. The former England captain initially joined the Villans as a player after he departed the Blues on a free transfer in 2017. 

He helped the club reach the 2018 Championship play-off final, which they lost 1-0 against Fulham.

Terry then became assistant head coach to boss Dean Smith and the pair guided the Midlands outfit to the Premier League. 

Villa have finished 17th and 11th in their two seasons since promotion but Terry has made the surprise decision to leave. 

Terry, who has been linked with several manager jobs over the last couple of years, has said that he has considered his future over the summer and did not want to enter a new Premier League season while being unsure that he would see it out with Villa. 

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“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,” Terry said in a moving club statement. 

“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.”

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