John Terry today admitted his return as England captain has upset many people but insisted the players have not been divided by the decision and he remains on good terms with former skipper Rio Ferdinand.
Terry was reappointed captain on Saturday, 13 months after Fabio Capello unceremoniously stripped the 30-year-old of the armband following an alleged affair with ex-girlfriend of then international team-mate Wayne Bridge.
Ferdinand has suffered a series of injuries to prompt Capello into a re-think but Terry remains a controversial selection, particularly after his outburst during last summer's World Cup in which he appeared to question the manager's approach.
The Chelsea defender, who will lead the team in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, said: "I am not going to be everybody's cup of tea, as I have read and seen. But it is a decision the manager has taken. I had to respect that decision when he took it away from me and get on with my football which I have done. I think he has looked at that and realised that I have gone back to that.
"I just wanted to win at the World Cup - there was no disrespect to Steven Gerrard, Rio or Frank Lampard who were the next captains, or the manager. I have respect for the players around me and always have had that and that will always remain.
"Maybe it got mistranslated or interpreted in the wrong way that I was trying to act as captain when I wasn't.
"I know what the expectations are and I expect nothing less. I know what is asked of me and I will fully concentrate on doing that. I have kept my head down and concentrated on playing well for club and country. The manager has seen that over the last year.
"On a personal note I am very delighted to get the armband back. People could see when I didn't have it that my passion and drive was still there - that will never change.
"I am delighted to get the armband back and looking forward to leading the team out at the Millennium Stadium."
Terry revealed he spoke to Ferdinand after Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday and claimed there is no bad blood between the pair.
"Rio called me, which on a personal note was a very nice touch and just goes to show what a great man Rio is," said Terry.
"He texted me on the morning of the game to wish me well for the game and to tell me he would call me afterwards.
"We had about a 10-minute conversation and he wished me well. It was very much similar to when I phoned him when I lost the armband. He cares about England. Naturally he is disappointed but at the same time the manager has made the decision so the England team moves forward."
Read More
Meanwhile, Matt Jarvis hopes his first England call-up will inspire players from clubs outside the Premier League to think they can follow in his footsteps.
The 24-year-old Wolves winger was released by Millwall as a youngster and made his debut for Gillingham aged 17. He said: "I'm delighted to get in the squad, and it would be great if some other players from teams like Wolves could do the same. It could also help players in the lower leagues. It's about working hard and aiming high.
"My career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I'm pleased with how I have done it."
Wales defender James Collins took part in training today despite missing Aston Villa's defeat to Wolves last week with a calf injury.
The returning trio of Aaron Ramsey, Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale were also involved in the session near Cardiff.
