John Terry has rubbished rumours he could call time on his international career, saying: "I will never turn my back on 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 QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
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."
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."
Today Chelsea captain Terry has the opportunity to become the first player to lift the FA Cup for a fourth time with same club.
"You never get bored of lifting the FA Cup," said Terry.
"The fact I would create history is obviously something very special but probably something I will look back on in time.
"You tend to appreciate personal and collective success more when you have finished playing."
Update:
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what do you think?
Gary Jones
John is the best Captain England have had since Bobby Moore. Fabio was right to stand by his principles. The FA as usual have completely bottled it!
Tracey Simmonds
John Terry doesnt deserve to be in the england team and doesnt deserve to be a national footballer with the great life that comes with it. He acts like a spoilt child and gets put on a pedestal.
Geoff Davis
Well done John and good luck in the future with the England team. I think the FA were totally out of order what they done to you as usual listening to the goody two shoes of the world! You are an innocent man.
IRONSTINE
He's a poor role model,good footballer,well looked after.
y1pwy
2:29pm on 5/5/2012
I think you will find that Hodgson was made England boss this week, not Capello as stated.
Simon Orange Editor
1:14pm on 8/5/2012
Thanks for spotting that error - this article was supplied by an agency but the mistake has been corrected now