BREAKING: John Terry reveals why as he quits Aston Villa job
Chelsea legend John Terry joined Aston Villa back in 2017, and played one season with the Villans while they were down in the Championship.
Terry moved on to support Villa boss Dean Smith as assistant manager, and has impressed in that role.
Terry helped Villa win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, and also helped prevent them from relegation in their first season back in the top-flight before helping them to an impressive 11th place finish last season.
The 40-year-old has now decided to call it quits on his career with Aston Villa as he has decided to work on his own managerial path.
“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,” said Terry.
“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.”