World Story

JOHN TERRY has been sent a clear message about his conduct after Rio Ferdinand was made England skipper.

 

Boss Fabio Capello gave the Chelsea captain a dressing down over his behaviour ahead of tonight’s friendly in France.

 

And when asked why he had overlooked Terry, he said: “I don’t have to explain my decisions to anyone.

 

“We need to be role models when we play for England and for our clubs.

 

“Part of this involves fair play and respect towards the referee and the public who come to see the games.

‘Terry has a chance’

“In that respect, we need to get back something we may be losing a bit.”

 

Capello has stressed to Terry that displays of dissent to referees similar to his antics at Spurs last week will not be tolerated.

 

The Three Lions chief added: “A captain must be an example to follow in training and a leader during the game.

 

“And, of course, I would hope he could be an example, a role model outside the game as well — in life.

 

“That’s very important. Not just for the England captain but for everything that we, as sportsmen, show youngsters. He has to be an example.”

 

Terry was made full-time England skipper by previous boss Steve McClaren in August 2006 and has led his country on 13 occasions since then.

But he was out injured for Capello’s first game against Switzerland last month when Steven Gerrard was given the armband.

 

Capello has made no promises that Terry will be restored to the role in the future.

 

But he did admit: “I will rotate the captain and I will name a permanent one in August. Until then, John Terry has a chance to become England captain.”

 

The Italian has clearly forgiven Ferdinand for his missed drugs test in 2004 which saw him banned for eight months.

 

Capello said: “The past is the past. From watching Rio play and in training, I’ve seen a very good professional. He can be a very good England captain.”

 

Alex Ferguson last night backed Capello’s decision.

 

The Manchester United boss said: “He wouldn’t have captained my side if he wasn’t capable of captaining England, I can assure you of that.

 

“Experience is important in the England role and Rio has more than 50 caps.”

ARSENE WENGER is close to sealing a £5million deal for Serbian midfield ace Zdravko Kuzmanovic.

 

The Arsenal boss heads a pack chasing the Fiorentina star, 20, with Newcastle among many other clubs on his tail.

 

Kuzmanovic, who holds a Swiss passport, signed from Basel for around £2million a year back.

 

Gunners representatives are understood to have flown out already to meet officials of the Italian club to thrash out a deal.

 BADGE OF HONOUR … Rio Ferdinand says past mistakes have made him stronger.

Being named England captain for tonight’s clash in Paris meant the past rearing its ugly head again.

 

The missed drug test, which almost sparked a players strike, and his eight-month ban which included Euro 2004, was back on the agenda.

 

But first-time England skipper Ferdinand, 29, was ready for the inquisition, particularly with the FA so intent on cleaning up all aspects of the game.

 

Did he accept responsibility for his misdemeanours? Was he a suitable role model?

Ferdinand: I’m a role model

The old Ferdinand might have got a bit chippy with the barrage of questions but he displayed a maturity and calm which suggested he could yet be permanent captaincy material with England and Manchester United.

 

Who would have thought that when Rio fatefully walked out of United’s Carrington training ground 4½ years ago after forgetting to wee in a bottle.

 

But looking every inch the part in his new suit, Ferdinand said: “Everyone goes through ups and downs in their careers — and lives — but it’s how you come out.

 

“Do you take it on board, learn and use it to your advantage? I’ve used things and learnt from them and come out stronger. Respect is a big part of being in an England team.

 

“It’s in the forefront of people’s minds at the moment after what’s been happening in the Premier League and players getting in people’s faces.

 

“We’re looked up to in society, so we’ve got to be role models, got to show the right way.”

 

So bearing in mind he has not always walked the straight and narrow, did he feel he deserved the captaincy?

 

Ferdinand replied: “The past is the past. People move on in their lives, mature, step up to the plate and become better people through adverse situations.

 

“Football’s like that. If someone does something wrong in their life, do you shut the door on them totally?

 

“I don’t think that’s right. I’m sure this manager hasn’t taken into account what’s happened in the past. It’s what’s happening now that counts.”

The bitterness Ferdinand felt towards the FA and those he believed tried to ruin his career has slowly dissipated.

 

He admitted: “It’s taken me a while over the years to realise the responsibility of being a professional footballer. But I think I’ve grasped that now.

 

“Maturity is part of it. I’ve got a young family now and I’m not ashamed to say I made mistakes growing up and I might do again in the future. But, hopefully, not as costly as in the past.”

 

Getting the England armband may have publicly put the seal on his rehabilitation but for Ferdinand it was done the day he stepped back on the pitch for Manchester United after the ban.

 

He said: “I felt closure on that episode as soon as I walked out against Liverpool at Old Trafford and the fans were singing my name. It was a weight off my shoulders when the whistle went.

 

“You learn who your friends are in times like that and United were fantastic in that period.”

 

England boss Fabio Capello clearly could not care less about Ferdinand’s previous. It is the future which interests him.

 

He said: “The past is the past. In games and the five days he’s trained, I’ve seen a very good professional. He can be England captain because of this.”

 

Ferdinand has dreamed of leading his country and Capello announced it at the dinner table in front of the whole squad.

 

He knows Capello will rotate the captaincy before settling on a permanent leader but said: “It’s the biggest honour I’ve ever had. How many people are named England captain?

 

“To be on that list is a great achievement. I’ll be wearing that armband with as much pride as anyone in the past. I’ll play my normal game and, if that’s enough to become the England captain, then great.