Departing Aston Villa defender John Terry has said that he is proud to have captained the club this season as he moves on to a new challenge.
The 37 year old scored a single goal for the Villains when he netted against Fulham in October.
However, due to Villa’s failure to reach the Premier League, Terry will actively seek a new challenge away from Villa Park.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “Today I part ways with Aston Villa Football Club. I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to play and captain this great and huge club.
“I have given my everything this year both on and off the pitch and I’m still hurting today that we never managed to get back to the Premier League, where this club 100% belongs.
“I would like to thank Steve Bruce who was instrumental in me joining Villa, I have learnt so much from him as a manager this season that will stay with me forever.”
Even though his time with the club was short, the defender built up a special rapport with the Villa faithful, and the former England captain had nothing but admiration for the fans.
“A special thank you to the Villa supporters who have supported us both home and away in their thousands, up and down the country and have been amazing to me on a personal level.”
“Villa will always have a place in my heart and I will look back on my time here and think about how close we were to reaching our goal.”
It is unclear which direction Terry’s career will now go, but he is sure to have a number of offers on the table this summer.