John Terry quits England’s national team

John Terry, England’s former captain, has quit the national team, saying his place on the squad was untenable.

Terry, Chelsea’s 31-year-old defender, is facing a lengthy ban if the Football Assn. finds him guilty of racial abuse against Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, who is black. Terry, who is white, was cleared of similar charges in court.

“I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable,” Terry said.

“Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honor,” Terry said. “I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision.”

Terry, still a stalwart for Chelsea’s defense, could be suspended for eight matches by the FA, which levied a similar ban to Liverpool forward Luis Suarez for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Terry was first stripped of his captain’s role before the 2010 World Cup after allegations he had an affair with a teammate’s girlfriend. He reportedly snapped at insults regarding that affair and made a derogatory comment to Ferdinand during a game last season. Terry denies racially abusing Ferdinand.

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