Aston Villa coach John Terry has admitted that playing in the Second City derby against Birmingham City was 'huge' as he opened up on just how big the game is.
The former England captain made over 700 appearances for Chelsea after coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and featured in some huge clashes for the club, with many notable London rivalries.
He then got a taste of the Villa vs Blues rivalry before the end of his career and he explained in a Q&A with the club's website just what it was like - and he shared a story that proves what it means to the fans.
“It’s huge actually. I remember a guy coming to the training ground and he was like ‘I’d rather get relegated than lose this game, we do not lose this game’.
“The whole build up around the city to that game for a week, two weeks was really intense actually, so it’s right up there. Obviously at Chelsea I had Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham that were big London derbies and it’s on the same comparison for sure.”
The fixture could be played next season as Villa are in a real battle to stay in the Premier League when the season does resume.
The verdict
Most people in the country understand how big the Birmingham derby is and it is a game that many neutrals would look out for.
You would probably say that it's far more intense than the London derbies Terry listed but as a Chelsea legend he isn't going to say one game is better or worse than another.
Either way, it's clear to see the game made an impression on the former defender and Blues will be hoping they get to face their rivals next season.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.