Terry retires from England duty

Former England captain John Terry has announced his retirement from international duty.

The 31-year-old Chelsea FC centre-back will play no further part in England's bid to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup after winning the last of his 78 caps in the 5-0 qualifying defeat of Moldova earlier this month.

"I am today announcing my retirement from international football," said Terry. "I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps. 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.

"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. I want to wish Roy and the team every success for the future."

First capped in a friendly against Serbia and Montenegro in June 2003, Terry represented his country with distinction at UEFA EURO 2012, helping England reach the quarter-finals, where they lost on penalties to Italy. Before that, he gained his first taste of the European showcase at UEFA EURO 2004, and he also appeared in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC, and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support," he added.