TheCable

John Terry, England defender and former Chelsea captain, has announced his retirement from football.

The defender, who got his breakthrough as a youngster at Chelsea and captained the Blues to a Champions League win in 2012, made his decision known on Sunday.

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.”

John Terry won five EPL titles, five FA Cups, three Football League Cup trophies, one Champions League and Europa League trophies respectively in 492 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 41 times in his 19 seasons as a first team player.