Former Chelsea and Aston Villa defender spoke of his ambitions ahead of appointment as Villa assistant coach
Wednesday 10 October 2018 22:48, UK
John Terry told Sky Sports News he wants to be a manager "in the long run" ahead of being named assistant to new Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.
The former England captain took his first steps into coaching on Wednesday evening when he was named as right-hand man to Smith at Villa Park.
Villa also appointed Jesus Garcia Pitarch as sporting director as the former European champions moved to replace Steve Bruce who was sacked last week.
Terry, 37, announced his retirement on Monday following a trophy-laden career as a player, which ended at Villa.
When asked if he wanted to follow in the footsteps of former England team-mates Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard - who have taken up management roles - Terry was enthusiastic about the idea.
"I'm ready for the next chapter in my life," he told Sky Sports News at Walton Heath, where he was playing golf in the British Masters Pro-Am. "Let's see what the future brings. Hopefully it brings half the success I had as a player.
"Frank's a good friend. I saw him the other night. It's an ambition of mine [to be a manager], it has been for a long time.
"I have ambitions and aspirations to be a coach, a manager, in the long run.
"But, like I said, it's about taking time to reflect. That's the most important thing for me."
Terry spent almost his entire playing career at Chelsea and is thrilled to see how well the Blues have started under Maurizio Sarri.
The Italian boss, who was appointed in the summer, has led Chelsea to second in the Premier League after eight games - level with leaders Manchester City and third-placed Liverpool on 20 points.
"It's been very good," Terry added. "Eden [Hazard] is on fire, isn't he?
"I've come across the manager a few times, I've been in and around the training ground, and he's a great guy and has got them playing very well with some exciting football at the moment.
"Long may that continue and hopefully we can push for the title again."
