Capello deflects Terry questions

Posted Sunday, February 07, 2010 by PA

England coach has attempted to end any debate about his decision to sack John Terry as captain.

Capello released a short statement on Friday following his short meeting with Terry, outlining that he had taken the action in the "best interests" of his whole team.

It was expected the Italian would offer a more fulsome explanation in Warsaw on Sunday afternoon following the qualifying draw for Euro 2012, but Capello said: "I spoke with John Terry, you all know why. It was a private conversation. No other questions. I am concentrated on football and I want to speak about the draw. Nothing else."

If Capello had his way, he would have been out of the Palace of Science and Culture immediately afterwards.

Instead, he hung around for a little bit longer, although it was clear the subject of Terry was off limits.

"I am not surprised by the number of journalists," he said as he surveyed the largest media scrum at any of the specially roped off areas for the individual groups. "I was waiting for them.

"But it has been a normal week for me. There have been no problems."

Capello also confirmed he had not discussed the captaincy issue once with new skipper Rio Ferdinand, despite the enormity of the job that has been handed to the Manchester United man.

"No questions about John Terry or the captain," he said once more. "I will speak with Rio, just as I have spoken to John Terry."