Fabio Capello has revealed that he had "no option" but to strip John Terry of the England captaincy after stories about his private life emerged.
The Italian, who installed Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand as his new skipper, axed the 29-year-old after claims he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.
Capello felt that he had to act accordingly and told the Chelsea star he had lost the armband in a tense showdown
Capello told Italian newspaper La Stampa: "I had no other alternative - he knows that for me values come before everything.
"I was in Italy and I had a telephone call where I was told everything that had happened.
"I thought about it and then I called John and we spoke. He is an adult and a serious person."
On his return to England, Capello summoned Terry to his Wembley office where he broke the news to him.
The former Real Madrid boss said: "We looked each other in the eyes.
"I told him that the captain has to be an example for everyone. I cannot let you keep the armband."
When asked if he feared losing Terry, Capello replied: "No."
He added: "It's one of those things that can happen in life.
"Terry is one of those that makes a difference, he is a true leader."