LONDON – Former England defender Ashley Cole announced his
retired from football on Sunday, ending a 20-year career that saw him
win three Premier League titles with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Cole, 38, spent part of last season playing for former Chelsea
team-mate Frank Lampard at Derby County in the second-division
Championship.
"After hard thinking and consideration it was obviously time to hang
by boots up and look towards my chapter, which will hopefully be
coaching," Cole said on Sky Sports.
"I'm doing a course at the moment so now I want to be great at being
a coach."
Cole came through the youth ranks at Arsenal before making a
controversial switch to Chelsea in 2006.
He totalled 556 appearances for the London clubs - also winning seven
FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League - before moving
on to spells at Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby.
Cole was also capped capped 107 times by England, playing at three
World Cups and two European Championships.
"As a young kind I never expected to play one game or be a
professional," he said.
"Looking back now to be able to say I played in World Cups, Champions
League finals, be lucky enough to lift Premier League titles, is a
young kids dream.
"I fulfilled my dream and now I look for the future as hopefully to
be a great coach."