Chelsea legend John Terry rejects the chance to join Spartak Moscow after late change of heart

The 37-year-old cited family as a key factor in his decision after flying to Rome to finalise the move

John Terry has turned down a lucrative contract offer from Spartak Moscow after having a late change of heart about the move.

The Chelsea legend flew to Rome on Friday to undergo a medical and finalise the details of the move to Spartak, having pulled out of a scheduled appearance at a charity match on Saturday.

But after further talks with the club and with his family, Terry confirmed that he will not be moving to Russia for the remainder of the season.

“After considerable thought, I have decided to decline a contract offer from Spartak Moscow,” he wrote in a post on his official Instagram account. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Spartak and wish them and their supporters well for the rest of the season.

“They are an ambitious club and I have been very impressed with their professionalism. But after assessing this move with my family, we’ve decided this is not the right move for ourselves at this time. Good luck Spartak.”

Terry’s decision to reject Spartak could be good news for Aston Villa, who had been hoping to re-sign the 37-year-old who left the club as a free agent in July.

In an interview with the Daily Mail last week Terry confirmed that he is not yet ready to retire, adding that he feels he has “unfinished business” at Villa.

Terry made 35 appearances in the Championship for Villa last season, leading Steve Bruce’s men to the playoff final at Wembley as captain only to be defeated by Fulham.