London, Feb 8 : Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his backing to skipper John Terry, who was axed as England skipper in a brief face-to-face meeting with coach Fabio Capello at Wembley over his affair with an ex-girlfriend of left-back Wayne Bridge.

The allegations on Terry have led to calls from former players for him to give up the captaincy of the club, but Ancelotti said: “For me and for Chelsea, John is the perfect captain. I didn''t speak to him after he met Capello last Friday and do not want to judge the decision on England because it''s not my decision.”

He also paid tribute to Terry''s inspirational leadership after the Chelsea captain put aside his off-field problems to help the Blues secure a crucial 2-0 win over Arsenal.

“What I know is that John''s behaviour on the pitch is very, very professional and he showed that again in this game,” The Sun quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

Ancelotti, who refused to criticize England coach Fabio Capello''s decision, admitted that he was not surprised to see the defender produce such a dominant display.

“I am not disappointed. It is not my decision and I don''t want to judge about this decision,” Ancelotti said.

“I''m not surprised by John. He is working for his club and we are happy to have this performance from him in this moment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that Terry was an inspiration for Chelsea.

“John Terry is a player who always wants to win and he is strong enough to separate what is off the pitch and what is on it,” Wenger said.

“Some players can do that. I''ve known players who can deal with personal problems better because they can escape to the pitch,” he added. (ANI)