JOHN TERRY has retired from professional football at the age of 37 after being linked with a coaching role at Aston Villa.

Former Chelsea and England captain Terry, who won five Prem titles and a Champions League at Stamford Bridge, released the news on Instagram.

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Terry, who won 78 caps for England, wrote: "After 23 incredible years as a footballer, I have decided now is the right time to retire from playing."

It comes just hours after reports claimed he was set to become the No2 at Villa, working alongside Thierry Henry.

Terry played the final year of his career at Villa Park after leaving Chelsea, with the Championship club reaching the play-off final.

In the statement Terry said: "As a 14-year-old, I made my best and biggest decision: to sign for Chelsea Football Club.

"Words will never be enough to show how much everyone at the club means to me, in particular the fans."

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The centre-back left Chelsea in the summer of 2017 after 717 games and 15 major trophies in almost 20 years in the first-team.

Terry joined the West London club in 1995 and was handed the captaincy when Jose Mourinho took over at Stamford Bridge for the first-time in 2004.

He rose to prominence as one of Europe's most capable defenders as Blues dominated in England.

Chelsea's official Twitter account said: "Twenty-two years as a Blue. Fifteen major trophies. One of the finest careers of any Englishman in the history of the game.

"Enjoy your retirement, JT."

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Terry's influence was recognised as he was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005 as well as being named in Uefa's Team of the Year four times.

He is widely known as Chelsea's 'Captain, Leader, Legend' - as seen on a banner at Stamford Bridge.

Terry 's career was not free of controversy, though, as he was stripped of the England captaincy twice.

In 2010 then-manager Fabio Capello removed him from the role following allegations he had an affair with an England team-mate''s ex-girlfriend.

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Two years later, having been reinstated, he was stripped of the armband once again after being accused of using racist language towards then QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

He was cleared of the allegations after a court hearing but never played for England again.

So, what now for Terry?

Reports have suggested he will be part of a new management team at Villa Park after Steve Bruce was sacked on Thursday.

Arsenal icon Henry is expected to be head coach with Terry as assistant.

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Villa were referenced in his statement: "I also want to say a huge thank you to Aston Villa for giving me the opportunity to play at such a big club and captain it throughout the 2017/18 season.

"It was a privilege to represent such a renowned football club with great fans.

"I look forward to the next chapter in my life and the challenges ahead."

The club's official Twitter account said: "Congratulations on a fantastic career, JT."