London: Former long-serving Chelsea captain John Terry signed a one-year contract on a free transfer for second tier side Aston Villa on Monday.
Terry, 36 and who left champions Chelsea after 22 trophy-laden years at the end of last season having lifted the Premier League title, is reported to have agreed a weekly salary of 60,000 pounds (Dh285,740) with the club that is owned by Chinese businessman Tony Xia.
“#WelcomeJT: It’s official — John Terry signs ... #PartOfThePride #AVFC,” tweeted Aston Villa with a photograph of the former England skipper in their kit.
Terry, whose final appearance for Chelsea was mired in controversy with several fans winning money on betting on him being substituted in the 26th minute the same number as his shirt, said he was very happy to have plumped for Villa.
“I am delighted to join Aston Villa,” Terry told Villa’s official website.
“It’s a club I have admired from afar for many years — 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.
“I can’t wait to get started now and look to help the squad achieve something special this season.”
Terry is expected to fly out to Portugal to join his teammates at the club’s pre-season training, before the new season which begins at home to Hull City, Bruce’s former club, on August 5th.
The signing is a bit of a coup for Villa — who endured a torrid time last season in the Championship, never threatening to return immediately to the Premier League finally finishing 13th — as they faced competition from clubs including Turkish giants Galatasaray and Premier League duo West Bromwich Albion and Swansea.
Midlands rivals Birmingham City also made Terry a contract offer, admitted manager Harry Redknapp.
“Suddenly he’s gone to our rivals but we made him a good offer early,” Redknapp said. “I would be a hypocrite if I said he was not a top player, Aston Villa have signed a top player. It was John’s decision and I respect the decision he has made. I have always been a fan of his, he’s an outstanding player and he has been a great captain. I am hoping to spread my budget over five or six [players], rather than putting all my eggs in one basket over one player.”
Xia tweeted fun of their rivals with Terry’s decision, commenting: “Welcome JT to Birmingham city ... Aston Villa.”
