Michael Essien has sent a goodwill message to his former Chelsea playmate John Terry after the latter announced his retirement from football.

Terry officially bid goodbye to active football after 23 years in the game.

The former England skipper who also captained Chelsea retired at age 37 amid links to English Championship side Aston Villa where he previously spent a brief stint after leaving Chelsea.

“All the best #Captain.New beginning and a new start and I wish you all the best in the next phase of your footballing career,” Essien tweeted.

“You were one of the best leaders I ever played with. Thank you for the memories Georgie.”

Essien played together with the English legend where they both helped the blues clinch the League title several other laurels.

John Terry spent more than a decade at Chelsea after joining from West Ham United.

He made 492 appearances for the Club between 1998 and 2017 and also featured 78 times for the Three Lions.

All the best #Captain.New beginning and a new start and I wish you all the best in the next phase of your footballing career. You were one of the best leaders I ever played with. Thank you for the memories Georgie pic.twitter.com/ynkNGLyI7A

— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) October 7, 2018