John Terry last night gave an amazing insight into his determination to
lead England to the Euro 2008 finals - even if it means pushing his body
through the pain barrier.
Terry revealed he expects to keep on having pain-killing
injections before every game and some training sessions for possibly the
next eight months in order to beat the agony of a broken toe which he
suffered during preseason.
But England skipper Terry says he has set aside any fears about inflicting
long-term damage on himself - just as long as it means he can carry on
playing for club and country.
It was an incredible insight into the sort of courage and never-say-die
spirit which has made Terry England's Captain Marvel.
The Chelsea centre-back has even had a specially-made boot adapted for
his broken toe and believes his England team-mate Steven Gerrard will
do exactly the same to make himself available to face Israel.
Gerrard's broken toe has become a national debate and put the Liverpool
captain at the centre of a club versus country debate as to whether he
should be allowed to play with a pain-killing injection.
But after all the arguments, it was absolutely clear that given the choice
Terry would take the injection every time if it meant playing rather than
be stuck on the treatment table.
It was a timely reminder of the genuine passion within the England squad
to reach the Euro 2008 finals when fans had been questioning some of the
players' desire after recent disappointments.
Terry said: "As a player, it's a short career and I don't want to
miss one game for Chelsea or for England, or even a day's training.
"If that means having an injection that's what I will do. I'm sure
the likes of Stevie (Gerrard), who loves playing for his country and showing
his passion out on the field, feels the same. He will be desperate to
play.
"I don't think it's a risk to play with this sort of injury. I've
had a broken toe and I've been playing since day one of the season with
an injection.
"Whether Stevie will need an injection to play, I don't know. But
certainly from a medical point of view, the doctors at Chelsea have told
me my toe is not going to get any worse by having the injection and playing.
If it was going to make it worse, in Stevie's case, it would make it a
different issue and it wouldn't be right for him to play.
"As it is, it might just take a little bit longer for it to heal.
"I don't need an operation, it's just going to take longer. A broken
toe would take four to six weeks to heal.
"With the injections before every game and training, it's going to
take six to eight months to heal. It's a broken toe in my foot. It's not
going to kill me.
You carry on. "I don't feel any different. It just swells up a bit
so you ice it for a few hours after the game. Myself, Steven and Frank
Lampard at Chelsea all do the right thing and get that swelling down a
bit and ready for the next game."
With that sort of spirit it is clear that coach Steve McClaren has chosen
an inspirational leader and captain.
Terry even admitted that he does not know whether there will be any long-term
effect. But if Chelsea and England keep getting results then he could
not care less.
Terry added: "Whether it's going to hinder me when I'm 36 or 40,
I don't know. I have got a short career and I will do anything to play.
It worries me, but in 10 or 15 years' time I don't want to turn round
and say: 'I wish I could have played in this game or that game'.
"You don't think too far in the future.
"I've spoken to my club boss Jose Mourinho and the doctors. If there
was an issue about making it worse, maybe he would step in and say. But
it would still come down to me. If I say I can play, I will."
So if it comes down to passion and commitment today at Wembley, then England
should have no fear - the man wearing the captain's armband has it in
abundance.
,
08/09/2007
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
Click on a photo...
