Former Chelsea skipper John Terry has reportedly penned a one-year contract with Aston Villa for the upcoming season. Putting weeks of intense speculation to rest, Villa owner Tony Xia welcomed Terry on Twitter. Aston Villa currently play in the Championship, which is the second tier of English football.

The five-time Premier League winning captain, who brought down the curtains on a trophy-laden two-decade tenure with Chelsea, is said to earn the most lucrative contract for a player in English football’s second division.

Terry’s proximity towards Villa manager and former Manchester United star Steve Bruce may have played a big part in his move, reports said. A number of clubs were linked with Terry following Chelsea releasing him during the summer. Villa’s rivals Birmingham City, managed by Harry Redknapp, were vocal with their pursuit of the defender.

Terry was also linked with Premier League sides Bournemouth, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea.