EFL Championship side Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of ex-England skipper John Terry on a one-year deal.

The experienced central defender ended his more than twenty years association with Premier League champions Chelsea at the end of the 2016-2017 campaign, and officially became a free agent on July 1.

Speaking after the deal was completed, Terry told Aston Villa's official website : ''I am delighted to join Aston Villa.

“It’s a club I have admired from afar for many years – there are fantastic facilities at Bodymoor Heath, Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums in the country and there’s a good group of players here, with an experienced and successful manager in Steve Bruce.

''I can’t wait to get started now and look to help the squad achieve something special this season.''

The highly-rated young Nigerian goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem was one of the players retained by Aston Villa at the end of last season, he trained with the first team during last year's pre-season.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : avfc.co.uk