• England news

Rio calls new captain Terry to wish him luck

ESPN staff
March 22, 2011
Rio Ferdinand has wished John Terry good luck with his appointment © Getty Images
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Rio Ferdinand called new England captain John Terry to congratulate the defender on his appointment and make clear there are no hard feelings, according to reports.

Ferdinand, currently sidelined with injury, inherited the captaincy from Terry last year after allegations about the Chelsea talisman's private life emerged. But the Manchester United centre-back has now lost the armband, after England coach Fabio Capello decided over the weekend that the 30-year-old Terry had been punished sufficiently and is once again the right man to lead the Three Lions into the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on Saturday.

While Ferdinand is believed to be angry with the way Capello made the decision, he reportedly called his international team-mate to wish him luck with the re-appointment and make clear he harbours no ill-will towards his fellow professional.

"Rio felt it was only right he gave John a call and talked things over," a source close to Ferdinand told The Sun. "He wished John all the best for Saturday and told him he believed he would lead the team to a win.

"John and Rio go back years and there is a mutual respect. Maybe Capello could learn a bit from them."

Although angry with Capello, it is highly unlikely the rift will lead Ferdinand to retire from international football in the foreseeable future.

"Rio will never turn his back on England," a source added to the BBC. "He loves playing for his country and Fabio Capello cannot change that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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