Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has announced his retirement from football.

Terry has been without a club since being released by Aston Villa at the end of last season, with the club losing out in the Championship play-off final to Fulham.

However, speculation has mounted that Terry could return to Villa Park as assistant manager to Thierry Henry, who is favourite to take over from sacked boss Steve Bruce.

Such rumours are sure to increase after Terry took to Instagram to confirm he is hanging up his boots.

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

Terry, who won five Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea, rejected a move to Spartak Moscow for family reasons earlier this season and he has also been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge on Maurizio Sarri's coaching staff.

The 37-year-old notably thanked Villa in his retirement announcement, although he indicated his "heart will always belong to Chelsea".

Terry came through Chelsea's youth system and made his debut for the first team in 1998, quickly establishing himself as an important player in the Blues back line.

The defender was made Chelsea captain by Jose Mourinho following the retirement of Marcel Desailly and led the club through one of the most important periods in their history.

An influx of cash provided by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich allowed Chelsea to become dominant domestically, winning the Premier League in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

Although Terry's missed penalty cost Chelsea in their 2008 Champions League final loss to Manchester United, he lifted the trophy four years later despite missing the final against Bayern Munich due to suspension, with the Blues also winning the Europa League the following year.

Internationally, Terry became a vital figure for England, making 78 appearances for the Three Lions.