Tournament News
British press hails Capello
2010-02-06 13:12
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London - British papers applauded the sacking of England captain John Terry Saturday, praising manager Fabio Capello for stamping his authority on the team ahead of the looming World Cup.
The Sun newspaper reported that Terry was not ruling out a return ahead of the crucial tournament in South Africa which starts in June.
It said the Chelsea captain was heard to say: "If there's a one percent chance of being World Cup captain, I will fight for it tooth and nail".
Most papers, though, turned their attention to Capello, praising the Italian manager's uncompromising stance after Terry's alleged affair with the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.
"Grazie, Signor Capello" -- "Thank You Mr Capello" in Italian -- was the front page headline on the Daily Mail.
"We applaud manager Fabio Capello (an Italian with strong Catholic values) for taking only ten minutes yesterday to strip Terry of the England captaincy," the paper's editorial said.
"John Terry is captain of England and a role model to millions of young boys.
"That is why, by sacking Terry, Mr Capello has delivered a long overdue reminder that even millionaire sportsmen have a duty to behave with a modicum of decency".
The Times hailed Capello's decisiveness in dealing with the situation.
"The one clear winner has been the personal authority of Capello. That is why yesterday was an excellent day for English football," it said in an editorial.
The Sun added: "It sent out a message to players and fans alike that was loud and clear: 'I'm in charge'".
Elsewhere, though, questions were raised about the suitability of Terry's apparent successor, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
"Rocky road to top job for Rio" was the headline in the Daily Express, which recalled that Ferdinand was banned for eight months in 2004 for missing a drugs test.
"From cause celebre to captain. Rio Ferdinand has made a remarkable journey from England outcast to Three Lions skipper," the Daily Mirror added.