Aston Villa confirm Terry signing

Former England captain John Terry has signed a one-year deal at Aston Villa following his release from Chelsea.

Terry will earn £70,000 per week at the Championship side and is expected to fly out to the Algarve later on Monday to join his new Villa team-mates on the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Terry and Villa manager Steve Bruce are friends and golfing partners, and the Londoner is also a great admirer of Bruce's assistant manager Steve Round from his time as Steve McClaren's number two with England.

Terry says he had offers from West Bromwich Albion, Swansea and Bournemouth, but turned them down out because he didn't want to face his former club in the Premier League.

"For me it was just the mental side of playing against Chelsea, it was just too much to get over for me," said Terry.

"I was 22 years at the football club, 22 unbelievable years, I'm very proud of that but this is a new chapter in my life, my career. I wish Chelsea well next season and will be watching out but my thoughts are 100 per cent here.

"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."

The 36-year-old made 717 senior appearances for Chelsea in a 22-year career as Stamford Bridge, winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and Champions League and Europa League winners' medals. 

Villa were relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16 and finished 13th in the Championship last season.

Image: Getty Images

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