'I got very close' - John Terry reveals he agreed deal to manage Saudi Pro League side before move fell through as Chelsea legend confirms hopes of 'dream' Stamford Bridge return

The Chelsea legend started his coaching career at Aston Villa, where he was appointed as the assistant manager to Dean Smith. He left the job after three years, but in April 2023, he reunited with Smith to become his assistant once again at Leicester City. Seven months later, Terry returned to Chelsea as an academy coach. Before taking that job, the former England defender had an opportunity to take up his first head coaching role at Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab, however, the deal collapsed at the last moment.

Speaking to The Sun, the 44-year-old said: "I got very close with that and things got moved at the last minute, which meant it didn't go through. I've done my badges. I'm ready. If the right opportunity comes up, and it has to be the right opportunity in terms of squad and location, I'm all ears. I'm watching every game of football I can possibly watch. I've still got my eyes in it. There will come a point for me when I need to say 'that's it'.

"But you have to be obsessed with it and I'm still obsessed with it. I'm analysing games, I'm reviewing stuff, I'm doing online courses and all of that to be a better coach or a better manager that I can be. So who knows if that opportunity comes along? I've got a lot to give. I know that I've managed dressing rooms and groups before."

Terry is currently serving his beloved Chelsea as an academy coach twice a week, but went on to reveal that he still dreams of managing the club's senior team someday. He added: "I led Chelsea for 22 years. So to get thrown at me that I've got no experience as a number one is a little bit baffling. But again, I'll keep trying until that kind of day stops because I have a dream of managing Chelsea one day, and that's the ultimate for me. Would I love to be part of it? Of course I would. Chelsea's my club."

The ex-England and Chelsea star is also currently managing the 26ers team in the new Baller League in the UK, which kicked off on Monday.