DBasia.news – Not to be outdone by Frank Lampard and John Terry, Ashley Cole also continued his career into the world of coaching. The 38-year-old left-back decides to retire.
“After thinking hard and considering, this is the right time to hang up my shoes and look forward to my new page, which I hope is in the world of coaching. I am currently taking courses. Now, I want to be a great coach,” said Cole, quoted by the Guardian.
Cole’s retirement ended the long career of the player born in Stepney, London, December 20, 1980, which began in 1999. In his career, Cole defended Arsenal (1999-2006), Crystal Palace (2000, loan player), Chelsea (2006-2014), AS Roma (2014-2016), LA Galaxy (2016-2018), and Derby County (2019).
Cole made more than 500 appearances at club level and packed 107 caps with the England national team from mid-2001 to 2014.
“As a child, I never expected to be a professional player, so looking back now, I can say I have played in the World Cup, the Champions League final, lucky enough to lift the Premier League title is a dream of little children, so I have already realized a dream. Honestly, this is all great,” added Cole.
Cole’s number of appearances with the England national team only lost to Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Bobby Moore.
“I might take the opportunity as much as I should. I see it now and I have played for my country, not just once, I played more than 100 matches,” said Cole.
“I am proud and just a little disappointed, I did not reach the finals or even the semifinals with England,” he continued.
In his career, Cole has won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, three Community Shields, one League Cup, the Champions League, and the Europa League. Of course, one of his historic moments was when Cole was part of the Arsenal Invincibles squad in 2004 during the Arsene Wenger era.