Chelsea legend John Terry has turned down the chance to join Spartak Moscow on a one-year contract after holding talks with the club and with his family.
Terry pulled out of a charity match he was scheduled to participate in on Saturday in order to fly to Rome to undergo a medical and finalise the details of the move to Russia, but has changed his mind.
In a statement posted on his official Instagram account, Terry cited his family as a significant factor in his final decision not to accept the move.
"After considerable thought, I have decided to decline a contract offer from Spartak Moscow," he wrote. "I would like to take the opportunity to thank Spartak and wish them and their supporters well for the rest of the season.
"They are an ambitious club and I have been very impressed with their professionalism. But after assessing this move with my family, we've decided this is not the right move for ourselves at this time. Good luck Spartak."
According to a number of reports, Spartak had offered Terry a tax-free deal for one year worth in the region of £3 million.
Terry has been without a club since leaving Aston Villa on a free transfer in July, but confirmed in an interview with the Daily Mail last week that he is not yet ready to retire.
His decision may offer Villa fresh hope of re-signing the 37-year-old, who made 35 appearances for the club last season as they reached the Championship playoff final before losing to Fulham.