Last Updated: 24th September 2012
JOHN TERRY sensationally quit international football last night.
He dropped his bombshell on the eve of today’s FA hearing into his alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.
The furious Chelsea skipper believes the FA have a vendetta against him and feels they should have dropped their case once he was cleared of the same charge in July at Westminster Magistrates Court.
He is believed to have spoken with England boss Roy Hodgson to explain his decision before then going public.
Terry, 31, said in a statement: “I am today announcing my retirement from international football.
"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 I’ve played with.
“I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.
“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 and the team every success for the future.
“I am making this statement in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.
“I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC and challenging for domestic and European honours. I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support.”
England boss Hodgson had supported Terry throughout the latest controversy.
He claimed recently he hoped Terry would be cleared by the FA.
Hodgson picked JT for Euro 2012 at the expense of Anton’s brother Rio and still saw him as the backbone for the World Cup qualifying bid.
FLASH-BECK ... John Terry gets the England armband from David Beckham in 2006
Ray Wilkins, a former England and Chelsea skipper, insists Hodgson will find it hard to replace Terry.
Wilkins said: “On the pitch John does what the manager requires and that’s to lead from the front.
“I feel very sad for Roy — he made it evident he wanted John to be his centre-half. It’s a massive loss.”
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker said: “Whatever you think about John Terry, he always gave his absolute all for England. A strong leader and great defender.”
EX-ENGLAND skipper retires - and former FA chief executive Mark Palios understands why JT feels aggrieved
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4553319/John-Terry-has-quit-international-duty-with-England.html#ixzz27LXcnerg
