John Terry has admitted that his long‑term goal is to become manager of Chelsea, as the 36-year-old outlined his ambitions for the future on the day he opened a new chapter in his playing career by signing for Aston Villa. Terry, who has joined Villa on a one‑year contract with an option for a further 12 months, is determined to go into management after he stops playing and revealed he has spoken to Frank Lampard about the prospect of being in charge of Chelsea one day.

“I think that’s a goal for all of us – me and Lamps have had those conversations,” said Terry, who made 717 appearances for Chelsea during a 22-year career there that came to an end in May.

“Do you dream too big? I don’t think you can ever dream too big. I’ve always wanted to be the very best and, if that’s in management, then Chelsea’s the one and obviously in an ideal world that would be incredible. But I do realise as well that you can’t go in at somewhere like Chelsea as your first job. You need to go and learn.”

Terry wants to do as much as he can in that respect. The former England international has been working closely with Jim Hicks, the head of coaching at the Professional Footballers Association, and revealed that Dan Ashworth, the Football Association’s technical director, has opened the door to the possibility of doing some coaching within the national set-up.

“He’s offered for me to join younger age groups with England, so Dan’s been very good since he’s come in, making contact not only with myself but other players as well,” Terry said. “I know he’s just pushed Lamps through and that’s gone very well. But Jim Hicks is a big part of that as well, helping me tick along.”

Asked what appeals to him about management, Terry replied: “I think I’ve seen some of the very best. But I’ve also seen some mistakes along the way. I think with this next generation of players now it’s more so about managing human beings and people individually, and I think the football speaks for itself.

“It’s not down to me to put on an unbelievable session that nobody understands. Players want to play football, whether that is five-a-side or shooting. It’s not rocket science. I think the main thing for a manager to do is to get the players on side. If you get everyone on side, I believe you’ve got a chance.”