Press Association
Friday 10th February 2012
England manager Fabio Capello will quit as national coach after Euro 2012 to enjoy "life as a pensioner", the Italian has confirmed.
After an abysmal World Cup performance, many pundits believe Capello was fortunate to remain in his £6million-a-year post.
Heading into this week's qualifying double-header, there were still doubts over the 64-year-old's tenure, with many believing two poor results would force the Football Association to take decisive action.
Those concerns have now been removed after a couple of excellent performances against Bulgaria and Switzerland that have yielded six points and seven goals.
That the tally was achieved despite the absence of skipper Rio Ferdinand and Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard through injury is even more impressive.
Another victory against Montenegro at Wembley next month would put England in an excellent position to secure a place at the next European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine.
Last night he said: "Absolutely. Yes," when asked whether he would be leaving after Euro 2012, repeating the assertion to make sure everyone understood.
"We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old - I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner."
