Terry stripped of England captaincy
442 Staff - Friday 05 February 2010, 16:24
LONDON - John Terry was stripped of the
England captaincy after a meeting with coach Fabio Capello on
Friday, the Football Association (FA) said.
The Chelsea defender paid the price for damaging revelations
about his private life and Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand now
looks likely to lead England to this year's World Cup.
"After much thought, I have made the decision that it will
be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry,"
Capello, known as a disciplinarian, said in a statement.
"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed
extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into
account other considerations and what is best for all of the
England squad.
"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my
choice. John Terry was notified first."
The decision follows allegations in the British media that
Terry had an extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of
England team mate Wayne Bridge, who was a club mate of his at
Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year.
"I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," Terry said in a
statement. "I will continue to give everything for England."
The 29-year-old Terry was given the captain's armband on a
full-time basis by former England coach Steve McClaren in 2006
and former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Capello opted to
retain him in the role after he took over in 2008.
PERFECT CAPTAIN
Terry was seen by many as the perfect England captain with
natural bulldog spirit combined with superb defensive qualities.
In the 15 matches in which he wore the armband under
Capello, England won 11 and drew two, qualifying easily for this
year's World Cup in South Africa where they will be among the
favourites to win the trophy.
Ferdinand, currently serving a suspension with his club for
violent conduct, will take over the England captaincy having
narrowly missed out when Terry was appointed. He has since
deputised for Terry with Steven Gerrard as number three.
"When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a
vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason
to change this decision," Capello said.
Capello made it clear that the decision to remove Terry from
the role was his alone.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA,
particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore, for allowing
me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest
of the team," he said.
England's next game is a friendly against African Nations
Cup champions Egypt at Wembley Stadium on March 3.
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