Newcastle boss pays tribute to John Terry after Chelsea star announces international retirement

John Terry starts against Wolves. Picture: Rebecca Naden/PA Wire

Monday, September 24, 2012
2:01 PM

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes England have lost a “great” player following John Terry’s decision to retire from international football.

The Chelsea defender announced his decision last night on the eve of his Football Association hearing over the alleged racial abuse of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand - a case he denies and was cleared of in a court of law.

Pardew was not going to comment on the reasons behind 31-year-old Terry’s decision, but admitted it would have come as a blow to national boss Roy Hodgson.

He said: “That’s a personal decision that John has made and I am not going to throw my personal opinion on that.

“I just know for the manager of England, it’s a blow because he is a great player and the pool isn’t great for English players at the moment and the team.

“That’s the tough end for us, but that is a personal decision John has made.”