Terry passionate about armband March 28 2008
John Terry insists he will give his all in an attempt to be named England skipper on a full-time basis.
The Chelsea defender held the honour under previous manager Steve McClaren, but there are lingering doubts about him retaining the armband under new boss Fabio Capello.
The Italian is determined to look at a number of candidates before settling on his leader for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers which kick off in September.
But Terry, who saw first Steven Gerrard and then Rio Ferdinand captain the national team in Capello's first two matches in charge, believes he is still perfect for the job and will fight to win back the armband.
"I remember when I got the job as captain. To walk out for that first game, it was unbelievable," the 27-year-old said.
"I want to keep that armband. I am really passionate about it. It means so much to me, to my family. I want to be a successful England captain.
"I've thought about what the new manager will do. I will give everything, in training, in the games. I will give it my all.
"We have some great players and some great leaders. Mr Capello is a clever man and a great manager and he'll give it to the right person.
"I will have to be patient and we'll see, but I will say here and now that I want to be the England captain."
Terry has come under the spotlight recently for his habit of confronting match officials, with Capello insisting it is important for his captain to be a model professional both on and off the pitch.
But, while the Blues skipper admits he will be as good as gold off the field, he is not about to curb his passion on it as he believes it is an integral part to his game.
"I get frustrated and I like to make my point," he told Icon magazine ahead of England's 1-0 friendly defeat to France in Paris.
"You have to be careful not to rant and rage though. As captain, I think I am entitled to ask questions. If a referee explains his decision, I will walk away.
"Being passionate has got me where I am today. I think I do set an example in the way I play.
"If they don't want an England captain fighting for England in every way possible, fighting to win the ball and coming out of the tackle fighting for the cause, then that's down to them to make that decision.
"Whilst I am captain, I am not going to change the way I am on the pitch. When I'm off the pitch, I will be as nice as pie. I'll sign autographs, I'll smile, but as soon as I cross the white line, I am there to win the game."