England defender John Terry retires from international football

Sep 23, 2012 8:45:00 PM

On the eve of his FA hearing over accusations of using racist language towards Anton Ferdinand, the former Three Lions captain has ended his career for the national side

Former England captain John Terry has retired from international football with immediate effect, stating that the FA have made his position in the team "untenable".

The 31-year-old defender is set to begin a personal hearing on Monday to deny that he used "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" against Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match against QPR last October.

Terry has been cleared of racially abusing the R’s man at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July, and cites the governing body’s independent panel as the main focus of his decision.

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"I feel The FA have made my position with the national team untenable," Terry said in a statement.

"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 wish Roy and the team every success for the future.

"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."

Terry has previously insisted that he would never retire from international duty for England ahead of the court hearing in May.

He told The Sun: "I'm not going to throw away my international career for anyone, I am proud to represent my country, I will never turn my back on England."

Terry made 78 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2003 against Serbia and Montenegro, and first captained the side in a World Cup qualifier against Poland.

The Chelsea skipper was keen to underline his determination to continue representing the Blues in domestic football.

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

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