Fabio Capello Removes John Terry, Promotes Rio Ferdinand as England National Team Captain

The judgment came more swift than many expected, but Fabio Capello has made the decision the English press and public have been requesting.

Chelsea defender John Terry, who came under fire last week when a High Court released information confirming his affair with the ex-partner of national team and former club teammate Wayne Bridge, has been relieved of the captaincy of the England men’s national team, it was confirmed today.

“After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry,” England coach Fabio Capello said Friday, through a statement released by the English Football Association.

“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.

“What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.”

Regarding who will replace Terry, Capello noted, “When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice,” confirming reporting from the Telegraph that vice-captain Rio Ferdinand will be promoted to the captaincy, with Liverpool attackers Steve Gerrard assuming the vice-captaincy.

Ferdinand was nearly awarded the armband when Capello was appointed the head of the England national team. Ultimately, Capello elected to reinstate Terry as his captain, keeping the armband with the holder who inherited the position when David Beckham gave up the post after the 2006 World Cup.

Now Ferdinand takes the honor from his national team central defense-partner.

Capello gave Terry the news during a twelve minute meeting at Wembley follow a week of investigations by his assistant while the coach was in Switzerland. Capello returned to England and gave Terry the news ahead of his trip to Warsaw, where he will be on hand for the 2012 European Championship qualifying draw.