Thaindian News

London, Mar 21(ANI): John Terry has paid tribute to England manager Fabio Capello after he was reinstated as the captain of the national team, and said that he had never stopped hoping that he would lead the Three Lions again.

Terry was relieved of his duties in February 2010 after reports surfaced that he had an affair with the former partner of England teammate Wayne Bridge.

“I moved on very quickly from the decision about losing the captaincy and I’ve never fallen out with the manager. But I’ve never given up hope that I will captain England again,” the Sun quoted Terry, as saying.

“When the manager told me in that meeting at Wembley that I was losing the job I accepted and respected his decision - even though I did not necessarily agree with it - shook his hand and his assistant Franco Baldini’s hand and told them I’d always give 100 percent.”

“The manager said he really appreciated that and hoped that would be the case. Since then he’s said to me how I’ve done that and he’s been proud of me for it. I’ve always respected him as a coach, a manager and as a man,” he added.

Terry replaces Rio Ferdinand, who was reported to be upset at the prospect of losing the captaincy earlier this week.

Capello had earlier said that he believes Terry would have learnt from his alleged off-the-field indiscretions, and is confident that he will have the support of the dressing room.

“Sometimes the leader can make mistakes - not only him, but I, you, all the people. It is not a risk making Terry captain again. He understood the mistake and he learnt from his mistakes,” Capello had said.

“He will be a very important captain for us because when I choose him, I know he is a leader. I also think the players will be happy. I think so. They respect John Terry as a leader, absolutely,” he added. (ANI)