John Terry Announces International Retirement

The decision I have been waiting for a long time has finally come – John Terry has retired from international football. The Chelsea captain today announced his retirement from international football, thus ending the nine-year long England career.

John Terry has been taken for granted by the English FA for too long. Now, they can sit and watch the England team be without one of the best central defenders in the world.

In my opinion, John Terry should have retired when he was stripped off the captaincy following the personal issue with Wayne Bridge. He has left it a little too long. Now, John Terry can now focus on giving his best only for Chelsea.

John Terry made his debut for the England national team in 2003. He retires having made 78 appearances.

Here is the statement from the 31-year-old Chelsea captain:

“Pursuing charges [when] I have already been cleared in a court… has made my position untenable.

“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.

“I want to wish Roy [Hodgson] and the team every success for the future.

“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 now look forward to playing for Chelsea and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support.

“I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.”