England captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed there will be no hard feelings from his defensive partner John Terry should he lift the World Cup this summer.
Former Three Lions striker Ian Wright indicated in his column for The Sun that there would be tension between ex-skipper Terry and Ferdinand, if the Manchester United man steered England to glory in South Africa.
Yet Ferdinand is adamant being part of the side to win football’s biggest prize for 44-years would make up for any disappointment the Chelsea captain may harbour.
"That is not a source of tension. When you win the World Cup, I don't care who actually lifts the World Cup," Ferdinand told reporters at a press conference ahead of Sunday's match with Japan.
"As long as I get to say I've got a medal around my neck that says I've lifted the World Cup, then great.
"If Wrighty [Ian Wright] feels he'd feel like that, which is down to him. I am sure JT [John Terry] wouldn't care who lifted the World Cup.
“I wouldn't care because you would go down in history as one of the best teams, one of the best players who has played for your country.
"The players who won it [the World Cup] in 1966 are still being wheeled out to do appearances because it is such a big thing and means so much to this country."
Terry was stripped of the captain's armband by manager Fabio Capello when news of his off-field antics were revealed.
Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand was handed the responsibility, although he confessed it was a burden he was happy to shoulder.
"I feel comfortable as captain. I'm one of the experienced lads, I've been in the squad for years," he added.
"All the young lads know me and all the senior lads have grown up with me.
"If there is something to be said in the changing room I've never been afraid to speak my mind on anything, anywhere. It is the same as being captain.
"I don't really behave differently. You get more people coming to you saying 'Can you ask about this?' or 'What you think about this?', but I don't look upon it as a pressure.
"It is part of the job and you've got to deal with it.
"I do like the responsibility. It is nice. Everyone wants to grow up wanting to be the captain of their club.
"This is England and there is no prouder accolade than to be captain of your country. But it won't mean as much if we weren't to win anything."
Former Three Lions striker Ian Wright indicated in his column for The Sun that there would be tension between ex-skipper Terry and Ferdinand, if the Manchester United man steered England to glory in South Africa.
Yet Ferdinand is adamant being part of the side to win football’s biggest prize for 44-years would make up for any disappointment the Chelsea captain may harbour.
"That is not a source of tension. When you win the World Cup, I don't care who actually lifts the World Cup," Ferdinand told reporters at a press conference ahead of Sunday's match with Japan.
"As long as I get to say I've got a medal around my neck that says I've lifted the World Cup, then great.
"If Wrighty [Ian Wright] feels he'd feel like that, which is down to him. I am sure JT [John Terry] wouldn't care who lifted the World Cup.
“I wouldn't care because you would go down in history as one of the best teams, one of the best players who has played for your country.
"The players who won it [the World Cup] in 1966 are still being wheeled out to do appearances because it is such a big thing and means so much to this country."
Terry was stripped of the captain's armband by manager Fabio Capello when news of his off-field antics were revealed.
Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand was handed the responsibility, although he confessed it was a burden he was happy to shoulder.
"I feel comfortable as captain. I'm one of the experienced lads, I've been in the squad for years," he added.
"All the young lads know me and all the senior lads have grown up with me.
"If there is something to be said in the changing room I've never been afraid to speak my mind on anything, anywhere. It is the same as being captain.
"I don't really behave differently. You get more people coming to you saying 'Can you ask about this?' or 'What you think about this?', but I don't look upon it as a pressure.
"It is part of the job and you've got to deal with it.
"I do like the responsibility. It is nice. Everyone wants to grow up wanting to be the captain of their club.
"This is England and there is no prouder accolade than to be captain of your country. But it won't mean as much if we weren't to win anything."
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