John Terry has left his role as Aston Villa assistant head coach to pursue his “objective of becoming a manager”.
The former Chelsea and England defender joined Villa boss Dean Smith’s coaching staff in October 2018.
Terry helped Smith guide Villa to Premier League promotion in 2019.
“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,” said the 40-year-old.
Terry said it was “an extremely difficult decision to move on” and added: “I want to be as respectful to the manager and everyone at Aston Villa as I can. Having given my future serious consideration over the summer, I 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…
