John Terry insists he's loving his role at Chelsea after turning down three opportunities to become a manager for the first time.
The former England captain, 41, was initially aiming to become a boss in the near future after hanging up his playing boots four years ago. He is currently a coaching consultant at his boyhood club, helping develop Chelsea's next generation of superstars.
Terry came through the ranks at Cobham and established himself as one of Chelsea's greatest ever players. He won 17 trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge - including five Premier League titles and the Champions League - and played more than 700 games.
Terry left Chelsea to join Aston Villa in the summer of 2017, completing the final season of his glittering career in the Championship. He was appointed the club's assistant manager 12 months later and helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League in May 2019.
Working alongside Dean Smith, Terry helped Villa become an established Premier League club again before leaving in July 2021. One of his main reasons for his departure was to become a manager, yet the ex-defender is no longer sure about that career path.
Terry was asked if he had any plans to become a manager in the near future during a Q&A on Instagram on Sunday. "Unfortunately no," came the reply. "When I left Villa, that was the aim. I won't be managing or coaching in the future."
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Terry added: "I turned down three jobs last year and interviewed for two more, which I didn't get. It's a personal decision that I have come to. I have my role at Chelsea that I love and my family time, which means everything to me. And I get time to enjoy myself."
Terry's comments suggest his career plans have changed significantly during the last 12 months. On leaving Villa, he said: "My immediate plan is to spend some quality time with my family and, thereafter, hopefully take up some invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to develop my aim and objective of becoming a manager.
"It has always been my ambition to move into football management and, providing the right opportunity presents itself, I feel ready to take up such a challenge."
Smith added: "John has played a huge role in the success the club has enjoyed over the last few years and has been very supportive of myself throughout that period. I have no doubts he will go on to be a first-class manager in his own right and wish him well for the future."
Terry was heavily criticised earlier this year after showing support for former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The billionaire was forced to sell the club by the UK government for allegedly having ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, something he denies.
Terry described Abramovich as "the best" in a controversial tweet - described as "appalling" by MP Chris Bryant - and vowed to help fund a huge banner in support of Abramovich, despite Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine that has caused millions of people to suffer.
