The best left-back England has ever produced is also one of the greediest when it comes to money. Cole insisted that "footballing reasons" (what a surprise) were the reasons why he left Arsenal for rivals Chelsea back in 2006. The Gunners had offered Cole a new deal in order to stop his move to Stamford Bridge, but he claimed that he needed a 'new challenge.' But in his autobiography (which was ghost-written and sold next to no copies) Cole claims that he almost "swerved off the road" when his agent told him that Arsenal were 'only' willing to pay him £55,000 rather than the £60,000 he wanted in order to sign a new deal. He was "trembling with anger" and claimed that he "couldn't believe what I'd heard." How dare they not offer him that extra five grand?! How could a modern man hope to live on a pittance of £55,000 a week?! After secret meetings that immediately became public (of course), Cole eventually agreed a deal at Stamford Bridge, thought to be worth around £90,000-a-week and was a big success, but he will always be remembered for his greed and unbelievable need to increase his money. He has recently joined Italian side Roma, which is surprising given that he was almost on his way to America to play in the MLS with Frank Lampard. Many have said his move to the Serie A club is once again money-motivated, which he has strongly denied. Again. Which other notoriously shy greedy footballers deserve to be on this list? Share your picks below in the comments thread.
