Capello resigns as England manager

Fabio Capello has resigned from his post as England manager with immediate effect, the Football Association has confirmed.

The Italian, whose reign was set to end after Euro 2012, had been angered by the FA’s decision to step in and remove John Terry as the national team’s captain, making comments on TV in Italy declaring his displeasure at the move.

Terry had been stripped of his captaincy after it was confirmed that his court case over his alleged racial abuse of QPR’s Anton Ferdinand had been adjourned until after Euro 2012.

And after holding talks with FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne on Wednesday, the England boss decided to step down.

A statement on the FA’s official website reads: “The Football Association can confirm that Fabio Capello has today resigned as England Manager.

“This follows a meeting involving FA Chairman David Bernstein, FA General Secretary Alex Horne and Fabio Capello at Wembley Stadium.

“The discussions focused on The FA Board’s decision to remove the England team captaincy from John Terry, and Fabio Capello’s response through an Italian broadcast interview.

“In a meeting for over an hour, Fabio’s resignation was accepted and he will leave the post of England Manager with immediate effect.”

Despite the bitter end to Capello’s time as England manager, Bernstein moved to thank the former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss for his efforts and professionalism while at the helm.

He said: “I would like to stress that during today’s meeting and throughout his time as England Manager, Fabio has conducted himself in an extremely professional manner. We have accepted Fabio’s resignation, agreeing this is the right decision.

“We would like to thank Fabio for his work with the England team and wish him every success in the future.” (Goal)