Aston Villa unveils John Terry as Chelsea legend completes move

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Chelsea legend John Terry on a one-year contract, the club have confirmed.

Terry announced that he would move on from the Blues at the end of last season, after 19 campaigns at Stamford Bridge, and a number of clubs were interested in landing the 36-year-old defender.

However, Villa have beaten bitter rivals Birmingham City and West Brom to the veteran centre-back in the lead-up to their 2017/18 Championship campaign.

‘Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of John Terry on a one-year deal,’ a club statement reads.

‘The former England captain arrives at Villa Park having helped Chelsea secure the Premier League title in 2016/17 and left Stamford Bridge at the expiration of his contract.

‘Terry enjoyed a stellar career with the Blues, winning four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups as well as the Champions League and Europa League.

‘After making his debut in 1998, the 36-year-old went on to record 713 appearances for Chelsea and skippered the London side on 578 occasions.

‘PFA Player of the Year award winner in 2005, Terry also won 78 caps for England and represented his country at the World Cup and at the European Championships.’

He said: ‘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.