Hodgson 'reluctantly accepts' John Terry's England retirement

Sep 24, 2012 12:33:00 PM

The former Three Lions skipper stood down from international duty on Sunday evening ahead of his FA hearing over alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand that begins this week

England manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his disappointment at John Terry's international retirement but will accept his former captain's decision to stand down.

The Chelsea captain quit the national side on Sunday night ahead of his Football Association hearing into alleged racial abuse of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand last October, claiming his position in the national side had become "untenable".

The 65-year-old wished the defender well in his future at Stamford Bridge and revealed that Terry had broken the news to him personally.

A statement from Hodgson read: "I'd like to thank John Terry for his commitment to the England team since I became manager.

"I am of course disappointed to lose a player of John's international experience and exceptional ability.

"I have enjoyed a good relationship with John during my time as England manager and I reluctantly accept his decision. I can also confirm that he had the courtesy to call me prior to announcing his retirement from the England team.

"I'd like to wish John well for the future with Chelsea."

A statement from the FA also echoed Hodgson's sentiments, with Terry having captained the Three Lions twice in his career, with both spells ending in controversial circumstances.

The statement said: "Following his announcement that he is retiring from the England team, The FA would like to thank John Terry for all of his efforts with the national team over the past decade.

"During his 78 appearances John has always given his full commitment to the team."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
Now or never for Wenger to seal legacy
The Gunners sealed a place in next season's Champions League with victory at Newcastle on Sunday - and must now spend money to improve the squad over the summer
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
Milan failings laid bare on dramatic day
The Rossoneri clinched third spot in dramatic fashion in Siena on Sunday but still have a long way to go to get to where they need to be