Chelsea legend John Terry announces retirement

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John Terry has hung up his boots at the age of 37 as he prepares to pursue a career in coaching.

The former England and Chelsea captain, who has been without a club since leaving Aston Villa last season, made the announcement on his Instagram account on Sunday.

"After 23 incredible years as a footballer, I have decided now is the right time to retire from playing," he wrote. "I have many people to thank. My wife Toni and my two children, Georgie and Summer, for being my rocks throughout my career, I couldn't have done it without you, I love you with all my heart."

"I thank my parents, Sue and Ted, for the sacrifices they made for me as a boy, giving me the best opportunity to fulfil (sic) my dream and become a professional footballer. My brother, Paul, for his help and advice throughout my career, and all my family and friends for their great support."

Terry scored 67 times for Chelsea and became a mainstay of the team for almost two decades. /VCG Photo

He added: "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. 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."

"My club career and heart will always belong to Chelsea, but I am grateful for my loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 1999, which was invaluable for my development as a young player."

Terry waves an emotional goodbye to Stamford Bridge during his final appearance on May 18th, 2017. /VCG Photo

"And I also want to say a huge thank you to Aston Villa for giving me the opportunity to play at such a big club and captain it throughout the 2017-18 season. It was a privilege to represent such a renowned football club with great fans. I look forward to the next chapter in my life and the challenges ahead."

Terry, who rejected a move to Spartak Moscow last month, is linked with a coaching role at Aston Villa, with reports suggesting he will be part of a new management set-up headed by Arsenal icon Thierry Henry after Steve Bruce was sacked on Thursday.

Terry captained Aston Villa last season, leading the club to the Championship play-off final. /VCG Photo

An illustrious career

Terry made his Chelsea debut as a 17-year-old against Villa October 1998 and after 717 games in almost 20 years in the first-team, he won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, five league cups, a Champions League and a Europa League triumph, becoming the club's most decorated player.

The Chelsea legend, who was widely regarded as one of the best center-halves of his generation, won 78 England caps, was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005 as well as being named in UEFA's Team of the Year four times.

Terry won five Premier League titles as Chelsea captain after making 717 appearances for the club. /VCG Photo

Chelsea's official Twitter account said: "Twenty-two years as a Blue. Fifteen major trophies. One of the finest careers of any Englishman in the history of the game. Enjoy your retirement, JT."

Terry left Chelsea in the summer of 2017 and captained Aston Villa last season. His last game as a professional was Villa's 1-0 Championship play-off final defeat to Fulham in May.

(With input from AFP)