FORMER England captain John Terry has retired from international football after he believed the Football Association made his position 'untenable' in the light of his impending disciplinary action.

The 31-year-old Chelsea defender announced his England retirement on Sunday night, the day before he faces an FA disciplinary hearing following the QPR-Chelsea game last season, where it was alleged he made racist comments to Anton Ferdinand - but was cleared in a court case over the summer.

It is this action that has angered the 78-times capped defender.

In a statement made via his management company, Terry said: "I am today announcing my retirement from international football.

"I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps.

"I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with. I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.

"Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision. I want to wish Roy and the team every success for the future.

"I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel The FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.

"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC, and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support."