LONDON: John Terry would discuss his future as England captain with manager Fabio Capello before making any public comment, the player’s spokesman said on Wednesday.
MAN WITH THE STICK: An FA spokesman said Monday the governing body would not bow to any outside pressure but instead leave the question of the England captaincy solely with Capello (pictured) to decide on footballing grounds.
The 29-year-old Chelsea skipper’s position has been called into question following reports of an affair with model Vanessa Perroncel, the former girlfriend of international teammate Wayne Bridge.
Now the defender is reportedly due to meet with England boss Capello later this week, with the Football Association having made clear any decision on the captaincy rests solely with the Italian manager.
Phil Hall, Terry’s spokesman, said: “John Terry asked me to make it clear that he has made absolutely no statement about his future as England captain.
“He is keeping his own counsel until he speaks to England manager Fabio Capello and then Mr Capello will decide what announcement will be made.”
The statement from Hall, a former editor of British tabloid the News of the World, was released after the BBC and Sky Sports reported Terry would not be resigning the England captaincy.
Terry was subjected to sustained verbal abuse by home fans while playing for Chelsea in the Premier League leaders’ 1-1 draw away to Hull on Tuesday.
The taunts are likely to become a regular event for Terry but Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has so far been steadfast in his support of the player, said the centre-back could handle the flak.
However, Ancelotti said he might give Terry, a married father of twins, a holiday later this month when Chelsea face Cardiff City in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti said: “This is an issue for me and John Terry. I think it’s not a problem. You can see the line-up against Cardiff.
“If he needs a holiday he will have one and if not, he will play against Cardiff.
“I don’t like to speak about this. It’s not a question I want to speak about. For him (Terry) nothing has changed. He continues to play a very good game and every game he’s living a good moment.
“He’s doing his best. The atmosphere in the team is the same. There has been no change.”
As media interest in Terry’s private life intensified, concerns were raised that it could have a damaging effect on England’s bid to win the World Cup in South Africa later this year.
An FA spokesman said Monday the governing body would not bow to any outside pressure but instead leave the question of the England captaincy solely with Capello to decide on footballing grounds.
“Fabio Capello alone will make the decision about John Terry’s position,” the spokesman said. — AFP