John Terry closes the door on England return after leading Chelsea to Capital One Cup victory

Former England skipper shook hands with Roy Hodgson at Wembley

Jack Pitt-Brooke
Monday 02 March 2015 12:25 GMT
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(YouTube/Sky Sports)

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John Terry revealed how much it meant to him to be back playing at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, but closed the door on a return to international football.

The former England captain shook hands with England manager Roy Hodgson (above) as he collected his man of the match award after Chelsea beat Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final.

During Terry’s long England career he was a fixture at Wembley, but since he retired from international football under a cloud in September 2012 he had not been back to Wembley to play until Sunday, although he was on the bench for an FA Cup semi-final in April 2013.

So it was an emotional return to the national stadium yesterday afternoon for the former England captain. “They started playing the national anthem before the game and I was going then,” Terry said.

“I was ready before the game, I have missed it, playing in these big stadiums, and in these competitions and I’m delighted to get back to Wembley.”

Terry with his man of the match award and the trophy
Terry with his man of the match award and the trophy (Instagram/John Terry)

Despite Terry’s excellent form this season – he has been the best centre-back in the country – there is no prospect of a return to international football. The 5-0 win in Moldova two and a half years ago will remain his final cap.

“No is the simple answer,” Terry said, when asked about a return. “I don’t want to go into it right now. Being back at Wembley, the atmosphere, the stadium, it’s one of the best I have played in, but it’s never crossed my mind. I have drawn a line under it and the England squad can move on now.”

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