Former England international John Terry has confirmed that he could be staying with Aston Villa for another season, if they are assured of their promotion to the Premier League. The 37-year-old has played a key role in the club’s push for top-flight football and they are presently into the playoffs of the Championship.
Speaking to reporters, Terry revealed that he could remain at Villa next year, provided they are promoted, he said: “Initially it was a big decision for me to leave Chelsea and come to Villa but I have settled in very well and been welcomed. It is in my contract (to stay) if we go up, and fingers crossed and touch wood we do, then I will be staying another year.”
Villa looked out of the running for promotion during the early phase of the season where injuries to several key players saw them lingering near the relegation spots. However, they managed to reinstill belief as the season progressed and they are presently assured of the fourth spot regardless of a defeat against Millwall in the final game of the campaign.
As things stand, Villa are likely to face one of Middlesbrough or Derby County during their double-legged semi-final playoff and the west Midlands outfit will be hoping to progress further to the Wembley final. Should they not clinch promotion, Terry could retire from professional football to step into coaching with former club Chelsea earmarked as the ideal destination.
Terry is currently on the verge of securing his UEFA A license and his preference is likely to be to return to west London where he enjoyed a two-decade long career with the Blues. The veteran won the Premier League crown during his final season at the club in 2016/17 but declined a fresh contract in order to pursue a fresh challenge in the twilight of his career.