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John Terry has been hailed as the most accomplished defender in English football by Fabio Capello.

The former England manager – now in charge of Russia – revealed that he quit the Three Lions because of the racism row involving Terry and Anton Ferdinand.

Capello congratulated Terry on Chelsea’s Premier League triumph and said: "He played an important part.

“I always supported him, even when people tried to pin blame on him that was undeserved. Because of him, I left the England team.

“He remains in my view the best English defender.”

(Image: Getty)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho acknowledged ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge that there will be a mighty gap to fill when Terry retires.

“What will I do when that happens?”said Mourinho. “ I will play three central defenders ”

Capello was also full of praise for Mourinho and his achievement in taking Chelsea to the title.

“The victory confirms the great intelligence of Mourinho,” said Capello. “He may well have parked the bus a few times, but he won.

“I always look to the famous Giampiero Boniperti phrase: 'Winning is the only thing that matters.'

“Mourinho wins trophies, the others discuss philosophy.”

In pictures - Chelsea's title winning season: