Ashley Cole hangs up his boots

CAIRO – 19 August 2019: Former England International, Ashley Cole, announced on Sunday his retirement from football after a 20-year glittering career.

The English defender revealed that he wants to focus on his new career as a manager.

“After hard thinking it was time to hang up my boots and look forward to my next chapter," Cole told Sky Sports.

Cole, born in London, started his football career at Arsenal and he made his first team debut when he was just 18.

Wearing the number 39 jersey, Cole established his name as the best left back at the league and he quickly earned the left back position at England national team.

Between 1999 and 2006, Cole won three FA Cup titles and two Premier League titles and he was a vital member of "The Invincibles" team who won the league unbeaten in 2004.

In 2006, Cole decided to move to the blue side of the city as he signed for Arsenal rivals, Chelsea where he played eight years and won many titles.

The highlight of Cole’s career in Chelsea was winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2012.

Cole joined AS Roma in 2014 but he did not play much so he left two years later to the USA to play for LA Galaxy.

Cole’s decided to end his career at home and he joined Derby County last year but he failed to help the team seal promotion to the Premier League.

Cole is Engalnd’s most capped full back, having played 107 caps, and he represented England at three World Cup tournaments.