John Terry has revealed that he snubbed offers from clubs in the Premier League because playing against Chelsea would have been “too much”.
The former Blues and England captain signed for Championship side Aston Villa on a one-year contract on Monday and has been given his famous jersey number 26.
#WelcomeJT: John Terry will wear the No.2⃣6⃣ shirt this season…#AVFC #PartOfThePride pic.twitter.com/wS9ebj5gvk
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) July 3, 2017
Terry confirmed that there is no coaching role involved in his contract, but was reluctant to indicate whether he would continue his playing career at Villa Park should they get back to the top flight.
“For me it was just the mental side of playing against Chelsea, it was just too much to get over for me,” Terry told Sky Sports News.
“I was 22 years at the football club, 22 unbelievable years, I’m very proud of that but this is a new chapter in my life, my career. I wish Chelsea well next season and will be watching out but my thoughts are 100 per cent here.
“If… in one year’s time we’re sitting here with Aston Villa back in the Premier League then I’ve done my job and everyone else has done theirs. We can cross that bridge hopefully when we come to it.”
The 36-year-old defender had offers from West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Bournemouth, but turned them down out of loyalty to his former club.
That respect was acknowledged by the Premier League champions who responded by wishing their former defender well.
Wishing John Terry the very best of luck at Aston Villa! ? pic.twitter.com/r5RvLe8GfG
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2017
