Friday 30 March 2018 12:13, UK
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce says they would like John Terry to stay at the club next season, but it will be the player's decision.
Former England captain Terry arrived at Villa Park from Chelsea last summer and was named captain by Bruce.
Sky sources understand Terry's future is yet to be discussed, after national newspapers reported on Wednesday that the 37-year-old might retire as a player at the end of the campaign, but Bruce hopes the defender will decide to continue.
"First and foremost, the big decision is all in John's hands and we have to respect that," Bruce said ahead of Saturday's clash with Hull, live on Sky Sports Football.
"All of us want him to stay but it's John's decision. Once he makes the decision, we will abide by it.
"It would be wonderful if he takes us back into the Premier League and then played a part in trying to keep us there.
"Whether we are in the Premier League or the Championship, it is John's call to say what he wants to do playing-wise.
"I have said to him, if we get into the Premier League we would want him to stay, because his experience would be invaluable.
"But we have to respect John and what John wishes. The ball will be in his court."
It has been speculated that failure to earn promotion might make it more difficult for Villa to keep Terry, due to financial fair play restrictions.
Bruce added: "We have not really had the conversation, financially, about not getting promoted. We don't really want to do that just yet.
"We know it is going to be extremely difficult next year, budget-wise (if promotion is not secured).
"There are lots of conversations to be had, but at the moment we are concentrating on one thing - trying to win the next few matches."
Villa are currently fourth in the table, seven points behind Cardiff in second.
If automatic promotion proves beyond them, they are firmly on course for a place in the play-offs, and key forward Jonathan Kodjia returns after injury for Saturday's match.
