Ashley Cole has called time on his 20-year playing career.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County left back will go down as one of the best full backs in the game, with the England international winning three Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, Europa League, League Cup and seven FA Cups during his glittering career.
Cole, 38, most recently joined Derby on a short-term contract last season after spending three seasons playing for the Galaxy in Major League Soccer, and revealed he is now looking forward to move into coaching.
“After hard consideration, it’s time to hang my boots up and look towards my next chapter, which will hopefully be coaching,” Cole said. “As a young kid, I never expected to play one game or be a professional. Looking back, to be able to say I played in World Cups, Champions League finals, being lucky enough to lift Premier League titles - it’s a young kid’s dream. I fulfilled my dream and now I look to the future, hopefully as a great coach.”
Cole’s decision to leave Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006 was a huge talking point for many years, as the Arsenal academy product upset the majority of their fanbase as he joined the Roman Abramovich-led revolution across London.
He made 107 appearances for England and is considered the Three Lions’ best-ever left back, as he played at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups as well as EURO 2004 and 2012.
