Aston Villa have completed the signing of Chelsea legend, John Terry on a one year free transfer.
The 36 year-old who quit Chelsea at the end of last season following two decades at the club claimed the idea of playing against Chelsea in the Premier League was partly behind his decision to join the club.
Speaking at his unveiling at Villa Park today, the player who has been handed the no 26 jersey at the club said, “The mental side of playing against Chelsea was too much to kind of get over for me. It was 22 years and I am very proud of that, I wish Chelsea well next season but now my thoughts are 100% here. I am delighted to be here as a player. It is obviously a huge club, I had a few conversations with Steve over the summer. I am very hungry to still play at the top with a club and a manager who still has the same ambition as me. I think the club speaks for itself, from being out there in the stadium in the past. They have got great support here, I think it is a club that deserves to be in the Premier League. Steve being Steve has persuaded me to come, and I am delighted because I still wanted to keep my playing, my hunger is still there at 36. The ambition for me to continue playing some people will understand and some people will not. I am in good physical condition. I am ready to play and give it everything this year. I am here, I am ready to fight for the Villa shirt and for this football club.”
Aston Villa manager stated that “He is worth every penny because we know what he brings, It is not often that you get a natural leader of men these days. I have watched him from afar for a long, long time and to get him here is a great coup for all of us.”
The former England international made his senior debut 19 years ago against Aston Villa in a League Cup third round tie on 28th October 1998.
End Of An Era: Totti, Alonso, John Terry, others bid farewell to football.
The football world witnessed some emotional moments few days ago as legends; Francesco Totti, Phillip Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt, Maxwell, John Terry retired from the round leather game. Kuyt, Maxwell.
Totti who made 86 appearances in 25 seasons and scored 307 goals said farewell in an emotional speech after his final match for the club, a 3-2 win over Genoa. “Thank you, Rome. Thank you to my mother and father, my brother, my relatives and my friends. Thank you to my wife and to my three children. I wanted to start from the end – from the goodbyes – because I don’t know if I’ll be able to read these lines. It is impossible to sum up 28 years in a few sentences. I’d like to do so with a song or poem, but I can’t write any.
Over the years, I’ve tried to express myself through my feet, which have made everything simpler for me ever since I was a child. Speaking of childhood, can you guess what my favourite toy was? A football, of course! And it still is today. At some point in life, you grow up – that’s what I’ve been told and that’s what time has decided.
“Damned time. Back on 17 June 2001, we all wanted time to pass a little more quickly. We couldn’t wait to hear the referee blow the final whistle. I still get goose bumps now when I think back to it.
“Today, time has come to tap me on the shoulder and say: ‘We have to grow up. As of tomorrow, you’ll be an adult. Take off those shorts and boots because starting today, you are a man. You can no longer enjoy the smell of the grass, the sun on your face as you bear down on the opposition’s goal, the adrenaline consuming you, the joy of celebrating.
“Over the past few months, I’ve asked myself why I’m being awoken from this dream. Imagine you’re a child having a good dream… and your mother wakes you up to go to school. You want to keep dreaming… you try to slip back into the dream but you never can. This time, it’s not a dream, but reality. And I can no longer slip back in.
“I want to dedicate this letter to all of you – to all the children that have supported me. To the children of yesterday, who have grown up and become parents and to the children of today, who perhaps shout ‘Tottigol’. I’d like to think that for you, my career has become a fairytale for you to pass on.
https://twitter.com/RMadrid_Rey/status/869173637965852672
“It’s really over now. I’m taking off that jersey for the final time. I’ll fold it away, even though I’m not ready to say ‘enough’ and perhaps I never will be. Forgive me for not giving interviews and clarifying my thoughts, but it’s not easy to turn out the light. I’m afraid. It’s not the same fear you feel when you’re standing in front of the goal, about to take a penalty.
“This time, I can’t see what the future looks like through the holes of the net. Allow me to be afraid. This time, it’s me who needs you and the love that you’ve always shown me. With your support, I will succeed in turning the page and throwing myself into a new adventure. Now, it’s time for me to thank all of the team-mates, coaches, directors, presidents and everyone who has worked alongside me during this time.
“To the fans and the Curva Sud, a guiding light for all Romans and Romanisti. Being born Roman and Romanisti is a privilege. Being the captain of this team is an honour. You are – and will always be – my life. I will no longer entertain you with my feet, but my heart will always be there with you.
“Now, I will go down the stairs and enter the dressing room that welcomed me as a child and that I now leave as a man.
“I’m proud and happy to have given you 28 years of love.
“I love you.”
Ex Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt also announced his retirement from professional football after an illustrious 19-year career that included spells in England and Turkey. The announcement came after firing the club to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years.
PSG’S Maxwell also retired from football about a week ago and speculation is rife that he could continue working for PSG. He retired with 37 titles.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has also called time on his career. He admitted that he will find it difficult to find a new challenge to replace football as he ends a glittering playing career.
Speaking on his biggest regrets, he said: “I would include not winning the Champions League with Bayern and the Premier League with Liverpool.”
A touching farewell for Xabi Alonso as he leaves the field for the final time😢
🎥 @btsportfootball pic.twitter.com/2JyJ4VfkZh
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) May 20, 2017
John Terry’s dream farewell was ruined as his side were thrashed 2-1 by Arsenal at the FA Cup final. He however wants to focus on his long-term goal of becoming a top-level manager.
https://twitter.com/101greatgoals/status/869092674242056192
UCL final winner Phillip Lahm’s retirement came with an induction into Bayern’s Hall of Fames, he becomes the first player since Oliver Kahn in 2008 to receive such a honour. “I feel honored to be given a star at the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt next to the other great club legends.”
John Terry to leave club at the end of the season
For the second year, Chelsea Football Club have announced that John Terry will leave at the end of the season after 22 years at the club. The ex England international who made his debut in 1998 thanked the club, fans and teammates for their support over the years.
‘After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at this great football club. From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you enough. There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this over the coming weeks.
‘I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season.
‘The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days. We had some really positive talks but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave. I’ve always been conscious that I depart at the right time, in the right way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right time for the club and I. I feel I still have plenty to offer on the pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited for me. I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more silverware.
‘Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our football club and our amazing Chelsea fans. I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable support you’ve shown me over the years. You mean the world to me and every trophy we’ve won during my time at the club we’ve won together. I will never forget the incredible journey we’ve been on. Thank you so much for everything.’
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John for all he has done for this football club. He has been an outstanding player, inspirational captain and has always demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the cause.
‘In that time, Chelsea has grown into one of the world’s top clubs and it is only right that John’s contribution is recognised. He will always be held in the highest regard by everybody at Stamford Bridge and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.’
JThas scored 66 goals is the club’s third highest all-time appearance-maker and has captained Chelsea a record 578 times. He has won the Champions League, four Premier League titles, the Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups.
John Terry pays glowing tribute to Mikel
Chelsea legend, John Terry has has penned a tribute to John Mikel Obi, who joined Chinese side, Tianjin Teda last week on a £140,000-a-week deal after failing to feature under Chelsea’s new boss, Antonio Conte.
Mikel left Chelsea having won eight major domestic honours and two European trophies, as well as tasting global success last summer by winning bronze in the Olympic Games. Terry spoke of his admiration for ‘great friend’ Mikel and picked out a favourite performance from his ex-team-mate.
Speaking ahead of the Blues’ 4-1 victory over Peterborough in the FA Cup, the former England International said, “On Friday, we said goodbye to John Mikel Obi after more than 10 years with us in which we won everything – two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League,”
“He has been a big part of this club’s success over the past decade and put in some great performances, none more so than in Munich, where he was immense. I want to say on a personal level, that he was a great friend and a great player. I wish you well “Old Boy”.
Love ya.”
John Terry ruled out for 10 days
Chelsea captain, John Terry who strained his ligaments in his left ankle during
The Blues 2-2 Premier League draw with Swansea and left the Liberty Stadium on
crutches will be side-lined for 10 days.
The Blues 2-2 Premier League draw with Swansea and left the Liberty Stadium on
crutches will be side-lined for 10 days.
The 35-year-old Captain will miss Chelsea’s Premier
League clash against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Friday and next week’s
League Cup trip to Leicester.
League clash against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Friday and next week’s
League Cup trip to Leicester.
“I have strained my ligaments in my ankle
which means I will be out for 10 days.
which means I will be out for 10 days.
“Absolutely gutted, but will be giving
everything to get back playing.” He wrote on
Instagram
everything to get back playing.” He wrote on
I almost signed for Manchester United – John Terry
If you don’t believe Chelsea legend, John Terry almost signed for Manchester United, this picture should serve as a little proof.
The ex England skipper shared the image on his Instagram page with the caption, ‘Flashback to a young 14 year old JT. Who would have thought I would go onto win 4 Premier Leagues and 5 FA Cups. I have so much respect for Sir Alex Ferguson and will never forget what he done for me and my family.’
But JT in an old interview revealed how he was almost snapped up by former Red Devil coach, Alex Ferguson.
‘I was Man United growing up. You know what it’s like when you’re a boy, you want to support the team that’s winning everything. And my dad and granddad were Man United fans. But my first day at Chelsea I knew that was the club I wanted to be at. I just loved it. But Man United also approached me.
‘I met Alex Ferguson – great to meet. During the school holidays I would go up to Manchester and train with their boys for two weeks, play a few games and come home. But one thing that was really special about Man United was that Alex Ferguson took time out and invited me to one of their games and to have lunch with their players.
‘So there we are – me, my mum and dad, my brother. He made me feel so special, autographs, my photo done with the Premiership trophy. I think it was hard for my dad to take that I was going to sign for Chelsea, but I had to sit him down and tell him it was definitely the right decision.’
John Terry reportedly planning £22,000 farewell party at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea legend, John Terry is walking out of Stamford Bridge in grand style.
The Centre Back who confirmed his exit from the club earlier this year after revealing that his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season is reportedly planning a £22,000 farewell party next week and the venue is the Stamford Bridge pitch.
Meanwhile the club’s caretaker coach, Guus Hiddink has said he is not aware of the lavish shindig but he hopes he gets invited.
So, come celebrate with JT as he ends his 18 year-old affair at the South West London but…ensure you come with your invites
John Terry, Mourinho hail Claudio Ranieri
Chelsea captain, John Terry and former club manager, Jose Mourinho have sent some heart-warming messages to Leicester City coach, Claudio Ranieri in the wake of Leicester City’s iconic Premier League title victory. The Italian football manager who steered the club to its fist Premier League title revealed he is still reveling in amazing feeling.
Mourinho, who once branded the former player a failure with the mentality of someone who doesn’t need to win acknowledged his huge influence in the club’s groundbreaking feat. In a statement issued by his management company CAA Sports, Mourinho said: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to Leicester City; players, staff, owners and fans. “I lost my title to Claudio Ranieri and it is with incredible emotion that I live this magic moment in his career.”
John Terry also paid glowing tribute to the 64 year-old. “I’m 100% pleased for Claudio. He’s different class and a great person – credit to him and the players” He wrote.
John Terry pays for the funeral of an 8 year-old Chelsea fan.
Former England Captain, John Terry has paid for the funeral of Tommi Miller; an eight-year-old Chelsea fan, who recently died from leukaemia. Tommi was diagnosed with the ailment when he was aged 3 but died last month after an unsuccessful attempt was made to carry out a bone marrow transplant.
Terry and some of his teammates met the boy last year. And when a family friend contacted the Blues legend on Instagram to ask if he would like to contribute to the costs of his burial which will take place on Thursday , he said he would “love to help.” Then he
phoned up the funeral director to arrange the payment of £1,600.
phoned up the funeral director to arrange the payment of £1,600.
Tommi’s overwhelmed mother, Ruth Miller said the family were “very proud” the footballer remembered him.
“When we visited the stadium, you could tell John Terry was really taken by him and his cheekiness but it was still a shock when we heard.
“Tommi obviously made a big impression on him and he was one of his favourite players so it’s very special to us,” she added.
Credit : BBC
John Terry helps 9 year-old girl hit by a car.
Chelsea defender, John Terry has been commended for springing to action and caring for a
9 year-old girl who was hit by a car near his house in Surrey.
A witness at the scene of the incident said ‘John arrived just after it happened and
was at the scene of the accident with the young girl. The emergency services
had already been called, but John got onto the phone to local people in the
area who he knew were nearby – as he thought might be able to help her
quicker.
He then went back to his car to get out a blanket or a jumper, and placed it
over the the child to help calm them down. He wanted to try and make the girl
as comfortable as possible. Then he stayed with her until the ambulances
came, caring for her as best as he could. He was only doing what anyone
else would have done in the same circumstances.’