Chelsea legend Ashley Cole announces retirement live on Sky Sports during punditry duty

Cole spent 20 years as a professional after coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal.

The left-back went on to win three Premier League titles during his career, two at Arsenal and one at Chelsea.

He lifted the FA Cup on seven occasions and was part of Chelsea’s victorious Champions League side in 2012.

Cole also won 107 England caps, a tally only bettered by five players.

He last played for Derby County last season under former team-mate, and now Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard.

But now Cole has decided to call it a day at the age of 38.

He announced on Sky Sports he will now focus on becoming a coach.

“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.

“I’m doing a course at the moment so now I want to be great as being a coach.

“[My career has been] incredible to be honest.

“As a young kind I never expected to play one game or be a professional.

“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.”

Cole claims he is most proud of his time with England but admits he regrets not going far in a major competition with the Three Lions.

“I think [I am most proud of the] England caps,” Cole continued.

“I didn’t grasp it as much as I should.

“I look back now and I played for my country – and not just once, I’ve managed to play over 100 times.

“So I’m proud of that but it’s just a little bit disappointing I didn’t obviously get to a final or even a semi-final with England.

“Little bit disappointed with that.”

source: express.co.uk