Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry announces retirement from football

John Terry has announced his retirement from playing football in a social media post on Sunday.

The former Chelsea ‘captain, leader, legend’ has confirmed he will not play for a new club after failing to find a suitable move since leaving Aston Villa in June.

Terry, now 37, spent last season with Championship side Villa – missing out on promotion after play-off final defeat to Fulham at Wembley.

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The Chelsea icon has been heavily linked with a managerial role with the Villans – working alongside former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry following Steve Bruce’s sacking.

And it seems that move could be even closer after Terry took to Instagram to announce his retirement.

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

“THANK YOU.”

Terry turned down a move to Spartak Moscow last month, despite reportedly having a medical, saying it was not right for his family.

Terry won 78 England caps, five Premier League titles with Chelsea, five FA Cups and three League Cups.

Additional reporting by PA.