John Terry has joined Aston Villa on a one-year deal after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season following 22 years with the Blues.

The former England skipper admitted it would have been “too much” to face Chelsea with a Premier League rival after he signed for Championship club Aston Villa on Monday.

The 36-year-old penned a one-year deal with Steve Bruce’s Villa after ending a 22-year association with Chelsea, where he won 15 major trophies including five Premier League titles.

Terry, who also made 78 appearances for his country, had offers to remain in the top flight but did not wish to come up against his long-time employers as an opponent so chose to drop down a level instead.

“I thank them for their offers – for me it was just the mental side of playing against Chelsea was too much to get over,” he said during a press conference at Villa Park broadcast live on Sky Sports News HQ.

“I had 22 years at the football club, 22 unbelievable years. I’m very proud of that but this is a new chapter in my life and my career.

“I wish Chelsea well next season and will be watching out but my thoughts are 100 per cent here and the ambition is to get us back to the Premier League.”

The video below takes a closer look at the new Villa signing.