Fabio Capello-Rio Ferdinand split rumbles on as England boss reveals details of axed skipper's snub

26 March 2011 01:18
Fabio Capello's mishandling over reinstating John Terry as England captain in place of Rio Ferdinand was thrust back into the spotlight today after the manager admitted he could not explain why the defender snubbed a meeting with him.[LNB] Capello brought back Terry as skipper, 13 months after taking the honour away from the Chelsea defender, in a move Ferdinand found out about through the media. [LNB]Ferdinand had taken over the armband after Terry's alleged affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge but injuries prevented the Manchester United star from enjoying a run in the side. [LNB] Listen up: England manager Capello is grilled about the England captaincy saga on Friday afternoon[LNB] Capello, speaking ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, said: 'I tried to meet him (Ferdinand) when Manchester United played against Marseille but he told me no.[LNB]'I can understand everything, but I need to make decisions. I think I will be happy and will meet him (Ferdinand) in the future.'[LNB] Pushed further on why the meeting with Ferdinand did not take place, Capello added: 'It didn't happen, he didn't come. It's a question for him, not for me. I was in the directors' box. You have to ask him, OK?' [LNB]Ferdinand's current absence through injury, plus that of vice-captain Steven Gerrard, meant that Capello hada decision to make. [LNB]'Somethinghappened in my mind when I saw the armband being passed around during our game in Copenhagen (against Denmark in Ferbruary),' he added.[LNB]So near yet so far: Ferdinand and Capello fail to talk at the United v Bolton[LNB]'We changed it in the second half and it was unfair for John Terry to see this. I thought that it was time for John Terry, after punishment, to return and be captain.[LNB]'I know that Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard are not fit. I knew it was the moment, with one game which is so important, to have one captain like John Terry.' [LNB]Capello also praised the improvement shown by Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is set to make his first competitive start for England in Cardiff, saying he was surprised at the strides made by the 19-year-old.[LNB]Capello said: 'He is a young player who has improved a lot in a short time. He was an interesting player, when he played his first game with us he was good, but young.[LNB]Jack the lad: Young midfielder Wilshere (centre) will start for England against Wales in the Millennium Stadium[LNB]'Now he is playing like a player who has played a lot of games, like a 28 or 29-year-old. He plays the game fantastically with personality and without fear. It's not easy to find players like him who play without fear in places like the Nou Camp. I spoke with Arsene (Wenger) and he told him he was also surprised by how he had improved so much in so short a time.' [LNB]When asked whether Wilshere in the years ahead could emulate club mate Aaron Ramsey, who will captain Wales for the first time, Capello said: 'It will not be my problem. But I think he is a really good player, to be a captain you need to be a leader and I think Wilshere will be captain in a really short time.' [LNB]In the brief amount of time spent looking ahead to the Millennium Stadium contest, Capello said he was wary of Wales, despite Gary Speed's side having lost their three Group G qualifiers to date. [LNB]He said: 'I think this derby game is very different to the others we will play. In derby games as a player and as a manager it was not always the best team who won. I think this is a dangerous game to play as the spirit of the Welsh is fantastic.' [LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  Ramsey rallies Wales as young skipper roars: We can beat England without BaleIt's your fault! Bale was fine when he went to join Wales, claims RedknappYou're kidding: Wilshere and Carroll caught up in club-versus-country rowFalse starts fresh in the memory as Jagielka sets sights on win in WalesDenmark U21 0 England U21 4: Micah's injury mars Young Lions rompAll the latest Arsenal news, features and opinion [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Gary Speed, John Terry, Fabio Capello, Jack Wilshere, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Bridge Places: Copenhagen, Cardiff, Denmark, United Kingdom, Wales

Source: Daily_Mail