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Angry skipper Terry slams England critics
Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent23 Oct 2008
John Terry today hit back at the critics who questioned his commitment to the England team and insisted he will always put his country before Chelsea.
Captain Terry showed his leadership qualities in a Chelsea shirt last night, scoring his first goal at Stamford Bridge for two years to earn a vital 1-0 win over Roma in the Champions League.
But the 27-year-old was seething at continued speculation over how he missed both of this month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus with a back injury only to return for his club's next two games.
He said: "People should know what I'm like as a player and as a character. It's just disappointing that anyone would question my determination to play for my club or country.
"No one was more gutted than me, as England captain, to walk away from the squad last week and watch them travel to Belarus.
"I did everything to get fit but my back just wasn't right. I have worked hard my whole career not to miss any games. It has been frustrating the last two years because I've picked up a few injuries.
"But England is the ultimate. You get picked for England by playing well for your club. England is far bigger than Chelsea, far bigger than Manchester United because you're representing your country and we're all very proud to do it, no one more than me."
Terry is also determined to end fears that his back, which was operated on in 2006, is having a detrimental effect on his career. He added: "I don't understand where all this is coming from, the back is completely fine. I've had no bad responses since the operation and I've been doing exercises since then, which I need to continue doing. But I'm in a fit condition and raring to go. I have just had a stiff back which we can all get."
Terry is hoping to take more of his frustration out on title rivals Liverpool in the League on Sunday, but he admits the Reds have now developed the same characteristics that Chelsea had under former manager Jose Mourinho.
He said: "One thing that has impressed me so far [this season] is they have something we had under Mourinho in that there have been a couple of games where they have not been playing well and you think that will do us and then they have come back scoring late goals. That is something we have to be aware of. They are showing a real determination and belief this year."
Reader views (11)
Well said Kevin! Capello prob didn't pick JT anyway as he knew he wasn't 100% fit. JT's commitment & dedication is brilliant & sometimes he plays for Chelsea when he isn't completely match fit. That's why we call him Captain Fantastic! Capello definitely made the right decision. There is only 1 England Captain & that's JT.
- Cassandra, London, 24/10/2008 12:26
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Bunch of mugs.
He's more of a man than any one of you wimps.
You probably "brilliantly" nutmeg your kids in the park and pull your England shirt on to sneer at the telly in the pub or on your sofas.
At least he knows he's earned the right to wear it, not shame it the way your comments do.
Get behind your country and its players you sad, sad, shameful lot.
- Fresh, Lonon, 24/10/2008 12:10
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As a Chelsea fan I think that John Terry's comments absolutely give you the measure of the guy. A la Stuart Pearce, he is fiercely proud of his club, always gives 100% and always will. But when the call comes from his Country, he is even MORE committed to the cause. A true Englishman.
And, Jameas, I'm sure Chelsea are VERY pleased to hear that to JT England are more important. In order to play for his nation, that means he has to prove himself on the pitch week in and week out - Chelsea get the benefit, Capello sees a man in top form and picks him, England and JT also get the benefit.
- Chris, En-ger-Land, 24/10/2008 12:07
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John Terry is the single reason I will never pay to watch England whilst he wears the captain's armband.
- Roy Naldo, Hornchurch, UK, 24/10/2008 09:09
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Some of the comments here are a disgrace, and, say more about the character of the writers, than they do about John Terry. You can accuse him of many things, but not his total commitment to Club or Country!
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 23/10/2008 17:08
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Stick with Rio - he's the better man, and a better footballer, too.
- Ted, Shetland, 23/10/2008 14:31
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I'm sure Chelsea are pleased to hear that England is more important than them considering they pay his wages.
- Jameas, London, 23/10/2008 14:18
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People have knocked Beckham in the past but at least he is prepared to move to AC Milan to ensure that he still keeps in the top flight football that will keep him in contention for hs beloved England position. His recent performances have really lifted the team.
Terry on the otherhand, the part-time captain is a disgrace.
- Big Andy, London, 23/10/2008 13:17
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Er, how much does he earn from his England job? No, he doesn't really want the Bentley or the £140k a week. Happy to give em up. He's just a normal lad like everyone else. Gimme a break.
- Kb, London, 23/10/2008 12:48
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Sorry, I don't believe him. Same thing happened with Croatia in the euro qualifiers. Sure, pick him if he plays well and drop him when he doesn't but never as captain, he sets a poor example in many ways. Rio has much better leadership qualities and well done Senor Cappello for making him skipper.
- Evan, chingford england, 23/10/2008 12:39
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Good. As long as he doesn't volunteer to take any penalties.
- Paul, London, 23/10/2008 12:19
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