John Terry sends 12-word message as Ezri Konsa quits Aston Villa for Arsenal

John Terry has reacted after Ezri Konsa officially completed his £55million move to Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months, and leaves Aston Villa after seven years.

The Premier League champions have been chasing the England international for much of the summer, but appeared to be some way from the asking price.

In recent days, however, Arsenal have bridged the gap and reached an acceptable compromise with Villa for Konsa, who had just two years remaining on his deal.

The experienced defender will provide immediate cover for the injured William Saliba, and also eases concerns around the fitness of both Ben White and Jurrien Timber with his ability to play at right-back.

Konsa's exit is the latest in a string of key departures for Villa this summer, including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne.

John Terry messages Ezri Konsa

Konsa's career began with Charlton Athletic, and later Brentford when he joined them in 2018.

After just one year in the Championship, Villa spent £12m to buy him and have never looked back.

The defender has been almost ever-present since, becoming a key part of the team's return to the top and, if you ask the fans, one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Last season, Konsa was crucial as Villa ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.

But the 28-year-old is keen to win more, and despite being a boyhood Tottenham fan, has jumped at the chance to join the Premier League champions.

"Wearing that armband was a privilege I’ll treasure and the special times we shared will be lifelong memories. This club will always have a special place in my heart," Konsa wrote when the news was confirmed on Friday.

"Top, top centre-back. Massive loss for Villa but good luck mate," wrote Terry, who ended his career at Villa Park and formerly coached there.

Konsa set for instant Villa Park return

Konsa has been an incredibly loyal servant to Villa, making almost 300 appearances in his seven years at the club.

And despite making his desire to join Arsenal clear this summer, the defender has reportedly remained committed and fair.

For good reason, too, considering the debut that the 28-year-old potentially could be in for.

Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry City will come too early for Konsa, with his debut far more likely to come when his new side travel to Villa Park at the end of the month.