The former Chelsea and England defender has stepped down from his role as Aston Villa assistant manager after three seasons.
John Terry feels ready to take the next step in his managerial career after leaving Aston Villa.
The 40-year-old announced his departure from Villa on Monday morning to pull the curtain on a four-year spell. He initially joined as a player in 2017 and captained the club to the Championship playoff final. He later became Dean Smith’s assistant in October 2018.
After almost three years in the dugout, Terry has helped the club regain and consolidate their Premier League status.
Ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, however, the former Chelsea man has decided to leave to pursue his aim of becoming a head coach.
“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to have spent these last three years at Aston Villa, but I feel now is the right time to make the extremely difficult decision to move on,” read a statement from Terry on the club’s website.
“I want to be as respectful to the manager and everyone at Aston Villa as I can and, having given my future serious consideration over the summer, I genuinely don’t feel it is fair to move into a new season without being certain of seeing that through.
“My immediate plan is to spend some quality time with my family and, thereafter, hopefully take up some invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to develop my aim and objective of becoming a manager.
“It has always been my ambition to move into football management and, providing the right opportunity presents itself, I feel ready to take up such a challenge.
“I would like to thank Christian Purslow and our owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.
“And I will forever be indebted to the Gaffer for giving me the opportunity to start my coaching career at such a wonderful club. I have loved every minute of it and learned so much.
“I can’t thank Dean enough for the support and guidance he has provided me with, and I’m sure he will continue to lead the club from strength to strength.
“Finally, I would also like to thank all the players and staff and wish them all the very best for the season ahead and say a huge thank you to the wonderful Aston Villa fans for their support.”
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