The former England defender, Ashley Cole, has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of esteemed players.
During his illustrious career in England’s top flight, Cole, aged 43, secured the league title three times—twice with Arsenal and once with Chelsea.
He notably contributed to the success of the 2003-04 Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ team and amassed a total of 385 Premier League appearances.
“It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career,” said Champions League winner Cole.
The ex-left-back debuted in the Premier League in 2000, concluding his appearances in the league in 2014. He subsequently played for Roma, LA Galaxy, and Derby.
Cole has been honored as the 22nd inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Throughout his Premier League journey, he played a role in 147 clean sheets, netting 15 goals, and assisting 31 times. Additionally, he earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year four times.
“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough,” Cole said. “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.
“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.”
Cole, accumulating 107 caps for England spanning across 13 years, clinched the FA Cup title on seven occasions.
In 2019, he concluded his playing career and transitioned into coaching. Earlier this season, he teamed up with former England striker Wayne Rooney at Birmingham and assumed a position with the men’s England Under-21 team.
A generational defender revered for his consistent excellence.
Ashley Cole is the first inductee of the 2024 #PLHallOfFame
💫 @TheRealAC3 pic.twitter.com/cE4TkuIt5P
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 25, 2024