John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy after a meeting with coach Fabio Capello Friday, the Football Association (FA) said. The Chelsea defender paid the price for damaging revelations about his private life and Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand now looks likely to lead England to this year's World Cup. “After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry,” Capello, known as a disciplinarian, said in a statement. “As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behavior. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. “What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first.” The decision follows allegations in the British media that Terry had an extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of England teammate Wayne Bridge, who was a club mate of his at Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year. “I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision,” Terry said in a statement. “I will continue to give everything for England.” The 29-year-old Terry was given the captain's armband on a full-time basis by former England coach Steve McClaren in 2006 and former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Capello opted to retain him in the role after he took over in 2008. Capello made it clear that the decision to remove Terry from the role was his alone. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore, for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team,” he said. England's next game is a friendly against African Nations Cup champion Egypt at Wembley Stadium on March 3. Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of Bridge's child and with whom Terry is alleged to have had an affair, has said she will not accept lucrative media offers to sell her story. “I have a three-year-old son and he is my main concern,” the French model said. Atletico routs Racing Atletico Madrid virtually secured a place in the Copa del Rey final after beating Racing Santander 4-0 in the semifinal first leg Thursday. Atletico, which has reached the semifinals 17 times, scored twice in each half at its Calderon Stadium against Santander, which was making only its second ever appearance in the top four. On Wednesday, Sevilla beat Getafe 2-0 in the other semifinal.
