After a long and prestigious career, John Terry has officially announced his retirement. Now age 37, the former England and Chelsea captain found himself without a club after leaving Aston Villa in the summer.

Despite being offered a chance to continue his playing career at Spartak Moscow, Terry announced he feels that now is the time to retire from playing football.

John Terry Decides to Hang up His Boots

The Chelsea legend took to Instagram to make the announcement,

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

“As a 14-year-old, I made the biggest and best decision: to sign for Chelsea. 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.”

Terry made his first-team debut with Chelsea in 1998 as a teenager and spent almost 20 years with the Blues. Across all competitions the defender played 717 matches for the London club, amassing a wealth of trophies along the way.

John Terry won five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Europa League and one Champions League while at Stamford Bridge. He was also named captain before the 2004/2005 season, a position he did not relinquish while at the club.

After finding himself surplus to requirements at Chelsea, Terry accepted a one-year contract to play at Aston Villa in the Championship. Unfortunately, the team could only make its way to the playoff final, making the 1-0 loss to Fulham Terry’s final club match.

On the international stage, the centre-back won 78 England caps as well as the armband for the Three Lions. He has not yet made an announcement on his plans for life after football.

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