John Terry hails influence of Roberto Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo: Praised by John Terry

The Italian left the club following a dismal run of just two victories in eight games in all competitions.Chelsea skipper John Terry paid tribute to out-going manager Roberto Di Matteo who was sacked by the club following their 3-0 defeat by Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

But Terry was quick to praise Di Matteo who was also a player at Stamford Bridge between 1996 and 2000.

Terry wrote in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's game with Manchester City, said: "It has been a difficult week all round both on and off the pitch.

"I want to say that it was a privilege to play for Robbie. I had the pleasure, as a YTS player growing up, of watching and learning from him and to go on and play under him as captain was an honour.

"To win two competitions last season, including the Champions League that we had wanted for so long, was incredible.

"Robbie is a great man and an absolute legend. We wish him every success in the future, because saying thanks doesn't seem enough."

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Terry won't quit England team

John Terry: Happy to play alongside anyone for England

The Chelsea defender was stripped of the England captaincy as he awaits a court appearance over charges, denied by the 31-year-old, that he used racist language towards Anton Ferdinand.John Terry has rubbished rumours he could call time on his international career, saying: "I will never turn my back on England."

That led to suggestions he might call it a day for his country, but in an interview with The Sun he made it clear he would make himself available for new manager Roy Hodgson.

Terry said: "I'm not going to throw away my international career for anyone, I am proud to represent my country, I will never turn my back on England."

He added: "I never considered quitting. I was deeply disappointed by the FA's decision to strip me of the captaincy as it meant the world to me. But sometimes you just have to accept these things and move on."

"I'm not going to throw away my international career for anyone, I am proud to represent my country, I will never turn my back on England."
John Terry

Terry also made it clear he would have no problem playing with Ferdinand's brother Rio.

"I don't have an issue playing with anyone and never have done," he said.

"I don't pick and choose who plays for England and if I'm selected to play it won't become an issue either."

Fabio Capello's support for Terry over the incident ultimately led to his departure as England boss back in February.

"I was extremely disappointed the manager decided to quit," Terry said. "From day one he stood by me and said he knew the English law and the English way and you are innocent until proven guilty and I respected him for that."

Hodgson was this week named England boss ahead of apparent fan favourite Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager.

"I always thought Roy Hodgson was a genuine candidate and I was surprised no one really mentioned him," Terry said.

"Clearly all the hype was for Harry Redknapp but the FA have taken their time to appoint the right man to lead us to success and I think this is a great appointment."