Ashley Cole Speaks Out On His Transfer
July 28 2012; Miami, FL, USA; AC Milan midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy (92) is defended by Chelsea FC defender Ashley Cole (3) during the first half of the 2012 World Football Challenge at SunLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Ashley Cole has spoken out about his transfer from Chelsea to Italian side Roma, declaring that he left West London on account of no longer being useful to the club. During the start of Jose Mourinho’s second tenure at Stamford Bridge, Cole was overtaken on the team sheet by young Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who transitioned from right back to left.
"“I’ve always had a good relationship with Mourinho but the years go by and I was no longer useful for his project at Chelsea.” -Ashley Cole"
Despite Cole falling out of favor for team selection at Chelsea, Italian side AS Roma jumped at the chance to sign the 3 time Premier League winner, who also enjoyed success at Arsenal prior to his stunning move to Chelsea in 2006. Cole explained the appeal of transitioning to the Italian top flight, saying that knowing Rudi Garcia wanted him in the squad made Serie A appealing.
"“My agent told me about Rome and how badly they wanted me for their project. As soon as I spoke to Rudi Garcia and I saw how much they wanted me here at Roma, I jumped at the chance. I came here to play in the Champions League. Roma is an ambitious club, it’s a challenge for me and I’m prepared to fight for my place. Hopefully we can do something special here next season and win Serie A."
If Cole and i Giallorossi are to win Serie A, they will have to take advantage of the relative instability that has begun at Juventus. The Torino club has won the last 3 scudetto titles, but with the resignation of Antonio Conte and rumors of a departing Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, the Torino club may not be the class of Serie A anymore. Ashley Cole departed Chelsea having won the Premier League once, the FA Cup 4 times, a League Cup and Community Shield, as well as the top honors of UEFA Club competition, the Champions and Europa Leagues. He made 338 appearances for Chelsea in 8 seasons.
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