Agbonlahor: Aston Villa squad left 'shocked' by Terry news
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed the Aston Villa squad will have been left "shocked" by the news of John Terry's departure.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa's record Premier League goalscorer praised Terry for leaving his "comfy job" to pursue his dream of being a manager.
Villa announced on Monday (26 July) the Chelsea legend has left his role as Dean Smith's assistant ahead of the new campaign.
Terry explained in the announcement he did not think he would see out the season at Villa Park and it was only fair he step aside before the campaign begins.
The 40-year-old moved to Aston Villa as a player in 2017 and joined Dean Smith's coaching staff the following year after retiring as a player.
“It probably was a shock to the players,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"He’s been there for three years, two years as a player. Everybody loved him but the players will respect that he wants to be a manager. His best mate Lampard was a manager, Gerrard’s gone into management.
“JT didn’t want to go into the media side and he’s always wanted to be a manager.
“Sometimes you’ve got to leave a comfy job to try and find the right job for the next step.”
Terry played 36 times for Villa in his only season as a player as they reached the Championship play-off final.
As a coach, he helped the side keep 15 clean sheets in the Premier League last term - equalling a club record.