"I feel that I've been vindicated because of my performances for Newcastle United this season," said the former England captain today.
"I have had three career-threatening injuries and I really believe it was impossible to do both jobs as England captain and at Newcastle at the same time - at least not as well as I would have wanted.
"This is the first summer I've had off since I was 20."
And welld eserved it is too, Alan.
