Wenger defends his former England managerial counterpart Capello

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Fabio Capello should have had the final say over whether the Chelsea defender remained as England captain or not.

Capello resigned on Wednesday after the Football Association board stripped Terry of the captaincy, with the player facing trial on a racist abuse charge in July, after Euro 2012, an allegation he strenuously denies.

Wenger told Arsenal Player: "When the decision came out from the FA, I said that the choice of captain is down to the manager. You (the manager) pick your team, you choose your captain.

"I did not expect such an extreme situation but it looks like there was already some turbulence there and that was just the final straw. I am sad that Capello leaves four months before such an important competition, it is a big blow for England and I am sad for him."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to replace the Italian.

The Frenchman believes the FA should look for an English candidate, adding: "I have always been straight in (suggesting an Englishman should be next) - not because I think an English manager can do a better job than any foreign guy, just because you represent your country and it is better if the manager is from there. Especially in a big football country like England.

"It's now down to the FA to make the right decision and you will not be surprised when I tell you I do not want to interfere with that!"

 

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