The England captain strenuously denies he abused Anton Ferdinand during a game between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road last month. but with Metropolitan Police and Football Association inquiries continuing, he was prevented from discussing the matter at the Grove Hotel in Watford.
The 30-year-old could easily have swerved traditional eve-of-match engagement, but he told the press conference: "It is about being captain and coming out and facing up to it. It is a very proud thing for me to be England captain and come out here and see you guys (the media). The easy thing to do would be to step away from it. But I am here, fronting it up and dealing with it."
However, Terry's assessment was not strictly accurate. Three times during an 11-minute briefing for television reporters, an FA official intervened to rule questions out of bounds, having already announced before the start that the subject of Terry's behaviour was off limits.
Additional security had been installed outside the interview area, giving a further surreal edge to proceedings, even though Terry claimed it was business as usual as far as he was concerned.
"I am in a great state of mind," he said. "I am focused on playing well and training. From my side of things, nothing has changed at all.
"The reaction from the rest of the squad has been good. They have been very supportive, publicly and personally. I am delighted with that.
"I was delighted with the reaction of the fans on Saturday as well. There were a few boos but I always get that."
And Terry certainly does not view tomorrow's appearance as any more significant than previous ones, despite his off-field woes.
"Not at all," he said. "I am here. I am delighted to be captain of the side, leading the team out. It is the biggest honour of all. The players showed we are united together, no matter what."
Source: PA
Source: PA