Former England coach Fabio Capello has provided a statement in defence of John Terry as his Football Association racism charge extends to a third day.
Capello, who twice appointed Terry England captain, was reportedly called upon by the Chelsea skipper's defence team to provide a witness statement, as he contests a charge against using racial language towards Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at Queens Park Rangers in October 2011.
Terry was found not guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand by Westminster Magistrates' Court in July, however the FA's charge appears to have been instrumental in prompting his retirement from international football on Sunday.
Capello offers Terry instructions at the 2010 World Cup
The prosecution at the trial was unable to prove Terry had called Ferdinand a "f****** black c***" as an insult.
Capello is a curious choice to emerge as a defendant of Terry given the ambivalence which has marred their professional relationship.
The Italian stripped Terry of the national team captaincy in February 2010 after it had emerged the defender allegedly had an affair with former team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.
At that year's World Cup Terry was accused of mutiny in some quarters after he gave a candid press conference in the aftermath of England's dismal draw against Algeria. Capello stressed there would be "no revolution" and started Terry in the final group game against Slovenia.
Terry arrived at Wembley again on Wednesday
He re-appointed Terry as captain less than a year later as replacement Rio Ferdinand continued to struggle with injuries.
Yet Terry's altercation with Anton Ferdinand resulted in Capello eventually resigning from the England national post after he disagreed with the FA's decision to take the armband away from Terry for a second time after his Crown Prosecution Service trial was delayed until after Euro 2012.
Capello's former number two with the Three Lions, Franco Baldini, is also understood to have penned a supportive testimony in Terry's favour.