Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been inducted into the Premier League Hall Of Fame.
Often regarded as one of the best left-backs in the competition’s history, Cole becomes the 22nd inductee on to the list of ex-players and managers that began in 2021.
The 43-year-old won three titles – two with Arsenal and one with Chelsea. He was part of the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ in 2003-04 and the Blues side that scored a then-record 103 goals in 2009-10.
Cole made 385 Premier League appearances, contributing to 147 clean sheets, scoring 15 goals and providing 31 assists.
“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame,” said the former England international. “It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.
“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day by day and game by game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this and you just do it for the love of the game of football.
“I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me.
“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company.”
