John Terry shocked the world on Sunday by announcing his retirement from international football just a day ahead of his disciplinary hearing from Football Association (FA) for racial abuse charge.
The 31-year-old Chelsea defender, who capped 78 times for England and appeared at two World Cup events, has been accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's match against QPR last season.
"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 that 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," said the former England captain in his statement.
Terry, who was cleared of the case by a court in July, claimed that FA's charge against him has made his position in the national squad "untenable".
"I am making this 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," he stated.
However, the announcement won't affect disciplinary hearing from the FA panel.
Terry was earlier stripped off the England captaincy because of the allegation. And the Sunday's announcement means he won't play for his country at 2014 World Cup in Brazil, even though England coach Roy Hodgson made it clear that he would be in the squad if the country qualifies. However, he will continue to play for Chelsea FC.
