England's Terry hangs up his boots

John Terry brought his long and often controversial England career to an end on Sunday when the Chelsea defender announced his retirement from international soccer.

The 31-year-old, capped 78 times since his debut in 2003 and who appeared at two World Cups, issued a statement saying his position in the national team had become untenable due to the Football Association's impending case against him.

Terry was due before an FA tribunal on Monday facing charges of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game last October despite being acquitted in the law courts in July.

"I am today (Sunday) announcing my retirement from international football," the former England captain said in his statement.

"I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps,’’ he added. "I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with.

I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career,’’ the former captain said. "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,’’ he revealed.
Terry, who if found guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand could face a lengthy ban.