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Sunday, 23 September 2012

John Terry Quits International Football

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Former England captain John Terry is due before a Football Association disciplinary panel, after saying he will not play for his country again.

He announced his retirement from international football on Sunday.

The Chelsea defender, 31, was cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game

He said he could not play for England because of the FA's decision to pursue charges against him.

Terry, who won 78 caps, said: "Pursuing charges [when] I have already been cleared in a court... has made my position untenable."

Terry received a not guilty verdict at July's trial but was subsequently charged by the FA two weeks later for using alleged "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards the QPR defender during October's game at Loftus Road.

The court heard accusations that Terry had insulted Ferdinand, describing him as "black" and using extreme sexual swear words.

The prosecution had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Terry had used the words in an insulting manner, which it could not.

But the FA, whose charge includes an alleged "reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Ferdinand", only has to prove its case "on the balance of probabilities".

The defender telephoned Roy Hodgson to inform him of his decision before he released his statement on Sunday evening.

The Football Association said they would not be commenting on Terry's retirement.

Terry, who had two separate stints as England captain, most recently played in the 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Moldova on 7 September.

He made his debut in a 2-1 friendly victory over the then Serbia and Montenegro in 2003.

Terry was appointed as David Beckham's successor as England skipper in 2006 but was stripped of the position in 2010 following allegations he had an affair with then England team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

He was re-appointed in March 2011, but the FA relieved him of the role again in February, a decision which precipitated the departure of manager Fabio Capello.

Terry said: "Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision.

"I want to wish Roy [Hodgson] and the team every success for the future.

"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support.

"I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps. I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with.

"I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career."

England face a pair of World Cup qualifiers next month. First they welcome San Marino to Wembley on 12 October and then, four days later, meet Poland in Warsaw.

John Terry factfile
Date of birth: 7 December 1980
3 June 2003: First England cap as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro
15 August 2004: Replaces Marcel Desailly as Chelsea skipper
19 August 2006: Takes over from David Beckham as England skipper on a permanent basis
5 February 2010: Stripped of England captaincy following a meeting with Fabio Capello
19 March 2011: Restored in the job by Capello
21 December 2011: Crown Prosecution Service announce Terry will be charged with racially abusing Ferdinand
13 July 2012: Cleared in court
23 September 2012: Announces his retirement from England duty after 78 caps






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