Terry stripped of England captaincy (From Lancaster And Morecambe Citizen)

Terry stripped of England captaincy

4:32pm Friday 5th February 2010

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Footballer John Terry has paid the ultimate price for his alleged relationship with a lingerie model by losing the England captaincy.

England boss Fabio Capello, who has a reputation as a stern disciplinarian, informed the 29-year-old he had been relieved of his captain's armband after a crunch meeting at Wembley.

In a statement on the Football Association website, Capello said: "After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.

"John Terry was notified first. When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team."

Capello did make clear that he will continue to select Terry in the England squad, and in a statement to Press Association Sport the defender said: "I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision. I will continue to give everything for England."

The move means vice captain Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United will replace the Chelsea man, with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard acting as his deputy.

The woman at the centre of the allegations, Vanessa Perroncel, 33, looked stunned and mouthed "Oh my God" when she heard the news.

Her publicist, Max Clifford, read a statement in which Ms Perroncel announced she would not be selling her story and was said to be "very sad" about Terry's fate.

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