Ashley Cole, Former England, Arsenal and Chelsea left-back has announced his retirement from playing football following a two-decade-long career.
38-year-old Cole was out of contract at Derby County at the end of the 2018-19 season and says he is now focused on coaching. Cole said he is currently taking qualifications with a view to move into a coaching role.
He made his professional debut for Arsenal in 1999 and went on to represent Crystal Palace on loan, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby.
“After hard thinking, it was time to hang up my boots and look forward to my next chapter,” Cole told Sky Sports.
The London-born defender earned 107 caps for England and is the most decorated footballer in FA Cup history, having lifted the trophy seven times(with Arsenal in 2002, 2003 and 2005, and Chelsea in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012).