Veteran Chelsea defender Ashley Cole looks set to call time on his eight-year association with the club this summer after admitting he is "seeking another journey in life." The former Arsenal left-back, 33, announced his retirement from the international scene earlier this month and now looks set for another big change this summer as he plots his next career move. Cole told his 1.55 million followers on Twitter: "I am weighing up my options for playing next season with my agent."
"Sadly, it does not look like Chelsea will be one of them."
Cole has been a key member of Chelsea's squad in recent years, helping the Blues win the Premier League in 2010 as well as the 2012 Champions League and Europa League a year later. However, he endured a frustrating season during Jose Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge last season, starting just 15 league games with the Londoners ending their season without a trophy. Cole is out of contract this summer, however, Mourinho hoped the fullback would remain in west London, saying he did not think the veteran would leave the club. "I don't know but I don't think so. The club knows my opinion," said the Portuguese when asked if Cole might go. However, the decision may now be taken out of Mourinho's hands, and here, we take a look at 5 Replacements For Ashley Cole.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
