John Terry, England defender and former Chelsea captain, has announced his retirement from football. The long-serving Chelsea defender, who captained the Blues to a Champions League win in 2012, made his decision known on yesterday.
The 37-year-old last played for Aston Villa in the English Championship in the 2017/18 season. He recently rejected a move to the Russian league.
“After 23 incredible years as a footballer, I have decided now is the right time for me to retire from playing,” the former West Ham trainee said.
In his farewell statement, the defender thanked Chelsea for its support all through his 23 years with the North London club.
“As a 14-year-old, I made my best and biggest decision: to sign for Chelsea Football Club. Words will never be enough to show how much everyone at the club means to me, in particular, the fans,” he wrote.
“Right from the outset they have given me total support, on and off the pitch, and I have a tremendous bond with them. We achieved so many great memories together and I couldn’t have succeeded without you. To me, you are the best fans in the world. I hope I have done you all proud wearing the shirt and the armband.
“I look forward to the next chapter in my life and the challenges ahead.”
Terry won 78 England caps, five Premier League titles with Chelsea, five FA Cups and three League Cups. He also picked up Champions League and Europa League winners’ medals but did not play in the finals.
He made 717 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 67 times, before joining Villa after leaving Stamford Bridge in 2017, playing 36 games for the club.
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