Articles

Terry's England Retirement 'Disappoints' Hodgson

24 Sep 2012

Views: 1,123

Font Size: a / A

230712N.Roy-Hodgson.jpg - 230712N.Roy-Hodgson.jpg

England manager Roy Hodgson


BBC

England manager Roy Hodgson says he is "disappointed" to learn of John Terry's international retirement but "reluctantly" accepts his decision.

Centre-half Terry played in all four of England's matches at Euro 2012 and featured in the World Cup qualifying win over Moldova this month, reports the BBC.

But he claims his place in the England team is now "untenable" following the Football Association's decision to "pursue charges" against him despite being cleared in court of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

"I am of course disappointed to lose a player of John's international experience and exceptional ability," said Hodgson.
"I have enjoyed a good relationship with John during my time as England manager and I reluctantly accept his decision.

"He had the courtesy to call me prior to announcing his retirement."

In a statement, the FA added: "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."

Terry retired from international football on Sunday, on the eve of a FA hearing into allegations that he used "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards QPR defender Ferdinand in a Premier League game 11 months ago.

The 31-year-old Chelsea centre-half had already been cleared at a high-profile court case at Westminster Magistrates' Court, but the FA decided to hold its own inquiry.

Terry's last appearance for England came on September 7, when he played in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Moldova.

He had already been stripped of the England team captaincy as a result of the charges but played in every England game at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Hodgson also asserted as recently as a month ago that he intended to include Terry in future England squads.

Former England captain, Gary Lineker believes Terry has made the right move and praised his performances in an England shirt.

"Whatever you think about John Terry, he always gave his absolute all on the field for England," Lineker tweeted. "A strong leader and great defender."

Jimmy Armfield, another former England captain, thinks Terry's retirement will be a blow to Hodgson.

Meanwhile, FA general secretary Alex Horne has rejected Terry's claims the FA had made his place in the England team "untenable".

"It's a personal decision. I don't see how we've made it untenable," Horne told Sky Sports News.

Tags: Sports, World

Comments: 0

Rating: 

 (0)
Add your comment

Please leave your comment below. Your name will appear next to your comment. We'll also keep you updated by email whenever someone else comments on this page. Your comment will appear on this page once it has been approved by a moderator.

comments powered by Disqus