John Terry announces retirement from playing football

Rodgers boasts more experience than both Henry and Terry and has previously won promotion to the Premier League from the Championship with Swansea with promotion being the target for whoever gets the Villa job.

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

He has been linked by British media with a managerial role at Villa Park as the number two to former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry following the sacking of Steve Bruce on Wednesday, with Villa now struggling in 15th place.

View our slideshow at the top to see whether we rate him more highly than the likes of Vincent Kompany, Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King.

He left Villa Park when his one-year contract expired and turned down a move to Spartak Moscow last month, despite reportedly having a medical, saying it was not right for his family.

"(Terry's playing career) was truly great, whatever way you look at it. John's titles, medals, personal achievements are absolutely up there in terms of world football, in terms of an English career in the Premier League era".

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"So yeah, you can't rule me out because I have never been asked". I hope I have done you all proud wearing the shirt and the armband. I played for them and understand the club and understand what the fans expect.

Terry, who spent the bulk of his career with Chelsea, captained second-tier Aston Villa last season.

The former England worldwide central defender was also on a loan spell with Nottingham Forest before being a regular for the Premier League club in 2000 where he made a total appearance of 717 matches and scored a total of 67 goals in all competition.

Terry came through Chelsea's youth system and made his debut for the first team in 1998, quickly establishing himself as an important player in the Blues back line.

"I am ready for the next chapter in my life and hopefully it bring at least half the success I had as a player".