John Terry Retires From Professional Football

Oct 8, 2018 1214

By Max Wise

Former Chelsea and England captain, John Terry, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, ending a twenty-three-year professional career.

The centre-back left Chelsea to Championship side Aston Villa last season and turned down a contract extension offer from the Midlands club as he was linked to Russia giants Spartak Moscow.

The 37-year old, who led Chelsea to their first Champions League title in the 2011/12 season, turned down that move as well.

Terry has retired around a period where he has made the world to believe that he was not yet done playing football.

"After 23 incredible years as a footballer, I have decided now is the right time to retire from playing," Terry posted on his Twitter page on Monday.”

Terry followed it up with a heartfelt message to his family, and all the clubs he played for, with a post on his Intagram page.

"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."

"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."