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London. Wayne Rooney admitted he was devastated to see Fabio Capello quit as England manager as the Italian’s shock departure triggered an outpouring of disbelief from English football stars on Wednesday.

Capello resigned following a meeting with Football Association chiefs at Wembley as a row between the Italian and his employers over their decision to strip John Terry of the national team captaincy finally boiled over.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach was furious that the FA took the armband from Terry following allegations he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match last October.

Manchester United and England striker Rooney was the most high-profile of Capello’s players to express his disappointment that the Italian wouldn’t be in charge at Euro 2012.

Rooney also made it clear he believes the next England manager should be Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who has already been installed as the bookmakers’ favorite for the post.

Rooney said on Twitter: “Gutted capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me.”

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was emerging as a key member of Capello’s team before a pre-season injury ruined his campaign, admitted he was upset by the news.

The 20-year-old said on Twitter: “Shocked about news on Fabio Capello...gutted to be honest, gave me my 1st cap and believed in me! Thank you Mr Capello! GreatManager.

“People have their own judgement on Capello but for a young player who was given the chance to play for my country at such a young age...

“He has shown great belief and trust in me so I can only thank him....massive influence on my career so far! Sad to see him go!”

Like Wilshere, Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson took to Twitter to pay tribute to Capello.

“Sad news to see Capello step down. Good man and a Good manager. ThanksForEverything,” he wrote.

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker also expressed his disappointment at Capello’s departure.

“Gutted to see Fabio Capello go he put a lot of trust in me and gave me my first cap just want to say a big thanks really,” Walker said.

Rio Ferdinand, who was angered last year when Capello took the England captaincy from him to reappoint Terry, added on Twitter: “So Capello resigns....what now....”

Redknapp is the main contender to replace Capello and his cause was helped when he was cleared of tax fraud charges just hours before the Italian’s departure.

Former England captain Gary Lineker believes Redknapp should get the job and could even manage both England and Tottenham in the short term.

He tweeted: “As you ask I think new man should be English. Players have to be, so should boss. HR the man if he wants it. He can do both jobs til May.”

England legend Paul Gascoigne also gave his backing to Redknapp, but claimed former England boss Terry Venables should be offered the job if the Football Association could not get the Spurs manager.

“I think the obvious choice for everyone is Harry, but I don’t think Tottenham are going to release Harry,” Gascoigne told Sky Sports.

“He is a players’ man. Everyone would want to play for him and he’s proven that at the clubs he’s been to.

“He’s like Terry Venables and I would give him a shot again, truthfully.

“If Harry didn’t want it and Spurs weren’t willing to let him go I would give that man Terry Venables a shot again, without a shadow of a doubt.”

Reaction also came from his compatriots in Italy.

“This is a serious loss for England,” said Juventus coach Antonio Conte. “I’m disappointed and surprised.

“I have a huge amount of esteem and respect for a coach who has written important pages of history and has won a lot,” added the former Italian international, who has guided Juve to the top of Serie A in his first season.

Meanwhile, QPR midfielder Joey Barton claimed England are in turmoil following the loss of Terry as captain and Capello as coach within a few days.

“Well, well, well, this debacle claims yet another victim. Where does this stop. Madness,” he said on Twitter.

“No captain and no manager. 4 months from a major championship. What’s going on.......”

Agence France-Presse