Former Chelsea icon Terry signs for Aston Villa

LONDON: Long-serving Chelsea captain John Terry signed a one-year contract with second tier English side Aston Villa on Monday.

Terry, 36, who left Premier League champions Chelsea after 22 trophy-laden years at the end of last season having lifted the Premier League title, is reported to have agreed a weekly salary of £60,000 (68,300 Euros, $77,700) with the club that is owned by Chinese businessman Tony Xia.

"#WelcomeJT: It's official - John Terry signs," tweeted Aston Villa with a photograph of the former England skipper in their kit.

Villa manager Steve Bruce hailed the arrival of Terry.

"It has to be the biggest signing of my career," said Bruce. "It's not often you get a player of John's caliber to play for you.

"A lot of the younger players will look up to him and it can only be a good thing for the dressing room."

Terry said he preferred to drop down a league than have to face Chelsea.

"It was that mental side of playing against Chelsea that would be too much to get over," said Terry, who had offers from Premier League sides West Brom and Swansea.

"I had 22 unbelievable years at the football club. This is a new chapter. I wish Chelsea well but my thoughts are 100 percent here and the ambition to get back in the Premier League."

"Wishing John Terry the very best of luck at Aston Villa!," champions Chelsea tweeted.

Terry, who joined on a free transfer, is expected to fly out to Portugal to join his team-mates at the clubâ’s pre-season training, before the new season, which begins at home to Hull City, Bruceâ’s former club, on August 5.