John Terry has quit the England team, hours before the start of his hearing over the alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.

Terry made the decision after becoming convinced that the Football Association are determined to find him guilty of the offence, with the hearing due to begin officially in a London hotel on Monday morning.

The 31-year-old said in a statement: ‘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.

'Untenable': Terry criticised the FA in a statement

‘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 wish Roy and the team every success for the future.’

The Chelsea defender’s relationship with the governing body has deteriorated to such an extent he felt unable to continue as an England player.

He has felt increasingly isolated by the FA’s stance in recent weeks and there have been several days of legal argument that have convinced him his position is untenable.

« Previous12345Next »