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Terry open to England return

John Terry could return for England © PA Photos

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Chelsea captain John Terry is prepared to end his retirement from international football, according to widespread reports in the English press.

The 32-year-old departed the international stage last September prior to an FA hearing which led to a four-match ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. But, despite leaving England in acrimonious circumstances, reports on Saturday claim the defender is ready to return for World Cup qualifiers later this year - in a bid to make the squad for Brazil in 2014.

The defender is believed to be happy to play alongside Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Anton's brother, should they both be selected.

The departure of David Bernstein - who Terry reportedly still holds a grudge against, for the evidence he gave during his criminal trial - as FA chairman is believed to be a factor in the defender's decision, while head coach Roy Hodgson's recent lack of centre-back options has convinced Terry he could become an integral part of the squad once more.

That is despite Terry seeing his influence and playing time diminish at Stamford Bridge this season, with ongoing fitness concerns hampering his campaign.

He remains confident in his ability, however, claiming he is a better player now than when he wore the armband for his country. Following the 2-1 Europa League semi-final win at Basel, Terry was asked if he is still as good a player after a decade of repelling the world's leading strikers.

"Yes, I personally think that," he said. "This year's been really frustrating for me, not playing and picking up the (knee) injury (against Liverpool in November). Initially it looked (like an absence of) two or three weeks, it turned out to be three or four months.

"I don't want to talk out of turn, but I'd love to stay at Chelsea. I'm happy to leave things until they come to me. I've got another year left and I'll definitely be here next year.

"It would be nice to get some silverware, get the season out of the way and maybe talk contracts in the summer."

Terry also insists he cannot see himself playing against Chelsea at any stage in his career, suggesting a move abroad may lie in his near future.

"It might be another year, or another two, I don't know," added Terry. "It depends on my fitness and me staying in a good enough condition to impress the guys who make those decisions.

"I have got another year left which I will honour and respect, regardless if it's a yes or a no.

"Naturally it would be disappointing (to leave), but at the same time you understand that you can't be around forever.

"Where I would go after that it certainly wouldn't be in England. I couldn't do that to Chelsea or the fans. That's just not me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.