Former England Captain quits international football

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He made his debut for England back in 2003 as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro.

Accused of racially accusing Anton Ferdinand

78 caps later for England, central defender John Terry has now called it quits because the Football Association (FA) ‘has made his position with the team untenable'.  

The FA has been perusing a case in which Terry was accused of racially accusing Anton Ferdinand in a game against QPR back in October 2011.

-I am today announcing my retirement from international football, said Terry in a statement

Captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy

-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 have 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.

Found guilty

-I am making his statement today 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 and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support.

Terry has since been cleared of the case but he could face a lengthy ban when the FA meets in the week to offer its own punishment away from the Court ruling.