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Chelsea fans aren’t the only ones eagerly awaiting the morning of July 1st like it’s literally Christmas in July.
Aston Villa chairman Dr. Tony Xia has been enthusiastically hinting at a new signing on Twitter, as well, and doing so in classic Dr. Tony style.
I can't deny I always share too many things in common with Jose, A SPECIAL ONE! https://t.co/TVyLUXODC4
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) June 29, 2017
✍️ #UTV
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) June 30, 2017
The mystery signing is largely understood to be none other than John Terry, who’s without a Chelsea contract for the first time in 22 years as of a few hours ago. But JT is not quite ready to retire yet. His game may not be up to Premier League standard anymore, but there was plenty of interest in the second division, including from golfing buddy Steve Bruce, who’s the manager at Aston Villa these days.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry has agreed to join Aston Villa, sources have told ESPN FC. https://t.co/PAD2rMKbFL pic.twitter.com/v6uOIuSRtL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2017
Despite finishing 13th, Villa had the fifth best defence in the Championship last season. Terry will be expected to slot in as a starter however, possibly at the expense of younger, more promising players. Chelsea, that.
For JT, this is no doubt a great move to help him wind down his career and get him used to the idea of eventual retirement. Birmingham isn’t too far away from London, he gets to stay in England, but not renege on his promise to Chelsea fans to not play for another Premier League side.
Thanks, Villa!