FA: Terry's captaincy in Capello's hands

FA: Terry's captaincy in Capello's hands

LONDON: England manager Fabio Capello alone will make a decision on John Terry's future as England captain, the Football Association (FA) said on Monday.

Chelsea's John Terry gestures after their English Premier League soccer match against Burnley in Burnley, northern England January 30, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

The 29-year-old Chelsea defender's position has been called into question following reports the married father of twins had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of former teammate Wayne Bridge.

There are now concerns the issue could have a damaging effect on England's bid to win the World Cup in South Africa later this year but the FA was adamant it would leave the matter to Capello.

"Fabio Capello alone will make the decision about John Terry's position," said an FA spokesman.

"Fabio is fully up to speed with developments regarding John Terry.

"He spoke with our chairman Lord (David) Triesman and chief executive Ian Watmore today (Monday), who both backed him to make the best decision for England on footballing grounds.

"Fabio is dealing with the matter in his own way, using his extensive experience as a football manager."

Capello is due to return to England later this week from Switzerland where he has been undergoing knee surgery. He will travel to Warsaw for the Euro 2012 qualifying competition draw this weekend.

Bridge, presently injured, was shown support from several of his current teammates at Manchester City on Sunday.

They wore T-shirts bearing the words "Team Bridge", revealed after their 2-0 Premier League win over Portsmouth.

Terry is at the center of a media storm after reports he cheated on his wife, Toni, with Bridge's former girlfriend, French lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel.

City players' support for Bridge, England's second choice leftback, is unlikely to sway Capello either way but the Italian will be mindful of the effect any scandal could have on dressing-room unity.

Bridge released a statement on Saturday when he refused to comment on the reports saying his primary concern was the welfare of the son he had with Perroncel.

But Bridge - who tried to convince Terry to quit Chelsea for City before the start of this season - is said to be so upset by the scandal he has considered quitting the England team.
AFP