Ashley Cole (blue jersey), shown playing for Chelsea against Mexico's Monterrey in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, joined the LA Galaxy on January 27, 2016. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CARSON, California – He has won the UEFA Champions League and now Ashley Cole will look to add CONCACAF’s version to his impressive resume.
On Wednesday, the LA Galaxy announced signing Cole, slightly more than a week after his contract with Italy’s Roma was terminated by mutual agreement.
“Ashley is one of the world’s most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career,” said LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena. “He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season.”
The 35-year-old left back will be joining former England teammate Steven Gerrard at the StubHub Center, where the Galaxy will host Santos in the first leg of the 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals on February 24.
Cole began his professional career with Arsenal in 1998, making 228 total appearances, winning two Premier League crowns and three FA Cups. He was transferred to Chelsea in 2006, where he played in 229 games during a remarkable run that saw the Blues capture two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy and four FA Cups.
Roma inked Cole to a deal in July 2014, going on play in 11 Serie A games and a further five in the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
With England, the 107-time capped Cole appeared in three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010) and a pair of European Championships (2004, 2012).
The signing comes a day after the Galaxy acquired Belgian defender Jelle Van Damme.
NOTES:
- Cole has played in 108 UEFA Champions League games (Chelsea, 60; Arsenal, 45; Roma, 3).
