Ashley Cole, newly inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, reflects on his controversial transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006. He describes himself as an “angrier” player who was solely focused on winning at the time of the move. Cole left his boyhood club Arsenal for the nouveau-riche Chelsea amid intense rivalry between the two clubs, symbolized by managers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. He faced backlash from Arsenal fans for leaving, but ultimately went on to achieve great success with Chelsea, winning multiple trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles. Despite the controversy surrounding his transfer, Cole believes his debut for Arsenal was his favourite moment, as it allowed him to fulfill a childhood dream of playing for his boyhood club.
Reflecting on his time with both Arsenal and Chelsea, Cole discusses the differences in his mentality at each club. He recalls playing with more anger and drive at Chelsea, where winning was the primary focus. While he cherishes his time at Arsenal and the joy it brought him, he attributes his magical moment at Chelsea to winning the Champions League. Cole acknowledges the challenges faced by modern-day full-backs, noting the increased technical demands and versatility required in the position. He highlights four current Premier League stars who exemplify the modern full-back role, including Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie.
Cole, widely recognized as one of the finest full-backs of all time, emphasizes the evolution of the game and the changing expectations for players in his former position. As the assistant manager for the England Under-21 team, Cole continues to stay involved in the sport and mentor young players. He was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside Andy Cole and John Terry, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the league. TNT Sports, known for its coverage of premium live sports events, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and more, offers fans the opportunity to enjoy a variety of sports content through its streaming platform discovery+. Viewers in the UK can access TNT Sports through various providers such as BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
In his exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Cole offers insights into his playing career and the challenges faced by modern full-backs in today’s game. He discusses his approach to the game and the differences in mentality between his time at Arsenal and Chelsea. Cole maintains his admiration for both clubs and the impact they had on his career, noting that his debut for Arsenal remains his most cherished moment despite winning multiple trophies with Chelsea. As a former player turned mentor, Cole recognizes the importance of evolving with the game and adapting to new playing styles and expectations. His induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his remarkable career and lasting legacy in English football.
