Arsenal and Chelsea legend Ashley Cole joins Derby aged 38 in unlikely transfer return
Ex-England international will play for Frank Lampard's promotion chasing side until the end of the season
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ENGLAND legend Ashley Cole says he doesn’t expect any favours from his former teammate Frank Lampard now he’s signed for Derby County.
The 38-year-old forged a close bond with Lamps for club and country when they were teammates but says that has all gone out the window now one of his best pals in football – is suddenly his boss!
Cole swapped the glitz and glamour of Major League Soccer in LA for the ultra-competitive Championship yesterday and confessed there is only one version of the Rams he is interested in now!
“He’s my boss now and I haven’t come here to take shortcuts or expect anything more because he’s my friend,” said the former Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma and LA Galaxy star.
“It’s the same with Jody Morris, (Chris) Jonesy and Shay (Given).
"I know all of these guys but I respect them and they are going to be my bosses and I’ve just got to get my head down, train and work hard and listen to them as well.
“For sure, I am coming out of my comfort zone. I could have stayed in the MLS and relaxed but I wanted to come here and fight for something, a good cause to try and make promotion.
"It would be great for the club, Lamps and me.
“But this is probably the last interview I call him Frank!
“I respect him so much, when I played with him and of course what he has done in little time here. He’s been fantastic.
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“It’s going to be a challenge. I’ve not played in England for five years now. Coming from the MLS and America, it’s a different culture, way of playing and philosophy.
“Here its cold, it rains and you have difficult conditions with strong and young players in a good, tough league.”
However Cole confessed the fact Lampard has Derby playing exciting, attacking football attracted him too.
He said: “Derby play good football – definitely in the top three teams in terms of style and philosophy.
“They play great football from the back. They’ve got good young players, with a few old ones in there!
“I played with a few with the England team. Nugent, Huddlestone I know, Scotty Carson.
"I know a few of them and have played against a lot of them so I hope I can just bond with the lads straight away.
“I had a conversation with Frank, maybe a month or two months ago. General chit chat about how good the team was playing. He said would I be interested in coming here?
“For me it was no-brainer to come into this environment and push for promotion.”
The 38-year-old was a free agent after leaving his previous club, LA Galaxy, in November.
Three times Premier League winner Cole made a staggering 682 senior appearances for Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma and LA Galaxy as well as winning 107 caps for England – many of them alongside Lamps.
The Derby boss said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure Ashley’s services for the rest of the season.
Ashley Cole career stats
Age: 38
Current teams: Free agent
Former teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy
Trophies: Premier League x3, Champions League x1, Europa League x1, FA Cup x7, League Cup x1, Community Shield x3
International caps: 107
International goals: 0
Club games: 659
Club goals: 19
"He’s a fantastic player, a quality left-back, and he brings great experience to the dressing room.
“Ashley is in good shape, which doesn’t surprise me because he’s an excellent professional, and he will compete for a place in the side like every other player here.
“I’ve made my feelings known over the last couple of days just how highly I think of Ashley. I have no doubt whatsoever he will be a positive addition to our squad.”
