Defoe feels for Ferdinand

20110322

Spurs striker keen to move on under new skipper Terry

Last updated: 22nd March 2011  

Terry: Back as leader

Defoe: Sympathy for Ferdinand

At the end of the day, you need 11 leaders out there.

Jermain Defoe
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Jermain Defoe has admitted his sympathy for axed England captain Rio Ferdinand but wants the squad to unite behind reinstated skipper John Terry.

Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand was handed the armband last year when Terry was removed from the role by England boss Fabio Capello following allegations regarding his private life.

But with the Red Devils defender hampered by injury again this term and vice-captain Steven Gerrard also absent for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on Saturday following groin surgery, Capello has performed a U-turn.

The Italian’s decision to hand the responsibility back to Chelsea captain Terry has not been met with universal approval from supporters, but the returning skipper insisted he had the full backing of his fellow players when facing the media on Tuesday.

Spurs striker Defoe insists he will support whoever leads out the Three Lions and is keen to shift the focus away from the current debate and onto the need for England to claim three points at the Millennium Stadium this weekend.

Great guy

Defoe told Sky Sports News: “My heart goes out to Rio, when he was captain he was a great captain.

“I’m sure if JT wasn’t captain and he (Rio) was captain he would do a great job, as well as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

“At the end of the day, you need 11 leaders out there.

“I have known Rio for years, since I was young at West Ham, he’s a great guy. Like JT said today they had a conversation on the phone, which is always nice.

“It is only normal to be disappointed because to be captain of your country is special, but at the same time you have got to be professional and think about the team and the most important thing is getting results.”

Happy

Capello made the official announcement of Terry’s return as captain to his squad at the start of Tuesday’s training session and invited the players to share their views.

The Italian was met with a wall of silence, which has been taken by Terry to mean he has the unequivocal support of his peers, a stance which has been backed by Defoe.

The striker added: “It is important now for us to move on from this. Now JT is the captain and that is it. We need to just focus on the game because the result is the most important thing.

“I think it was important and it was good that he (Capello) did that. He said ‘I’ve made my decision and John Terry is captain. Any questions or if anyone wants to say anything then feel free’.

“None of the lads said anything, everyone was happy and we got on with training, so it was good.”

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