Jack Grealish sends heartfelt tweet to James Chester as he leaves Aston Villa

The centre-back has joined Stoke on loan until the end of the season.

Aston Villa’s club captain James Chester has today joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season.

The Villans confirmed the news of the departure on their official website and Chester will head in search of regular first-team football.

Dean Smith hasn’t needed to call upon the centre-back during the current campaign, although Chester has been battling back from a serious injury.

He signed for Villa in 2016 and has proved a loyal servant to the football club.

Chester has played 126 times for Villa having arrived from West Midlands-based rivals West Bromwich Albion.

Following his departure, one current Aston Villa star has sent a message of support to Chester on Twitter.

Jack Grealish has caught the eye with a series of stunning performances this season.

The 24-year-old has scored nine goals and registered seven assists this season, helping Villa to the Carabao Cup final.

With Chester now a Stoke City player, Grealish tweeted his former team-mate to wish him well on his new chapter.

The tweet from Villa’s star man highlights the significance that Chester has on the team in the dressing room and on the training ground.

Chester is the model professional and is clearly respected by his team-mates.

The challenge for the 31-year-old between now and the end of the current campaign is to get fit and play some football.

It’s a while since the centre-back enjoyed a run of games and the Stoke move will allow him to do that.

What the long-term future holds remains to be seen.

Chester’s contract worth £30,000-a-week (Spotrac) with Villa is up in the summer.

With him heading out on loan a new one seems unlikely and if he does well at Stoke he could earn himself a permanent deal.

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