Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce pays tribute to ‘fantastic’ John Terry
Boss Steve Bruce and team-mates joined in tribute to John Terry following his departure from the club.
The former England skipper’s exit, following Villa’s failure to win promotion to the Premier League, was confirmed on Wednesday.
It is understood Terry, who joined last summer on a free transfer, would have been open to staying for another season in the Championship.
Yet the severe financial pressures now facing Villa mean they were unable to offer him terms.
Terry, who earned £60,000-a-week at Villa Park, has been credited with helping transform the dressing room culture.
Bruce said: “I am extremely disappointed we’re not in a position to keep John.
“As you might expect, he was fantastic both on and off the pitch. He will be a massive miss.”
Terry was hugely popular among his team-mates. Fellow defender Ahmed Elmohamady posted a message on Twitter which read: “Been a pleasure to play along side you JT. All the best for the future.”
Alan Hutton, meanwhile, posted a picture on Instagram of himself and Terry with the message: “Been a pleasure skip.”
Owner Tony Xia has warned Villa must make major changes as they seek to balance the books and comply with FFP this summer.
Terry’s departure is expected to be the first of several from the club.
