England soccer captain Bobby Moore, held for four days by Colombian authorities investigating theft charges, flew into a hectic reception at Mexico City after his release yesterday (Thursday). He was due to rejoin his team-mates in the England World Cup soccer squad today.

The blond World Cup star, cool in the face of the jostling newsmen, took 35 minutes to force his way from the aircraft to the customs exit.

The refused to answer questions at the airport about his detention in Bogota. He was held on suspicion of stealing a gold and diamond bracelet, allegedly taken from the jewellery shop at the hotel where the England team stayed while playing warm-up matches in Bogota.

Moore was given a conditional discharge while investigations into the theft charges continue.

He later said that he had put in a good training session while in Bogota and that he felt fit enough to lead England in the opening match against Rumania next Tuesday.

A British Embassy car whisked Moore away from Mexico City airport and he spent the night at the home of an Embassy official. Today, he left Mexico City for Guadalajara, where England play their opening World Cup matches.