• Premier League

Cole wants to end career at Chelsea

Harry Harris
September 30, 2012
Ashley Cole is in the last year of his contract at Chelsea © Getty Images
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Ashley Cole wants Chelsea to offer him a long-term contract because he is eager to stay at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career, according to an ESPN source.

Cole, 31, hopes the Premier League leaders will make an exception to their rule of not offering contracts of more than a year to players aged 30 or above.

The source told ESPN: "Ashley would like nothing better than for Chelsea to change their policy about 30-year-olds. He is just 31 and still the best left-back in the world.

"Ashley hasn't spoken to any interested clubs and doesn't wish to, even though it is clear that some of the biggest clubs would want him on a free transfer.

"His greatest wish is to finish his career at Chelsea. He will wait to see what happens with Chelsea before he embarks on any talks with any other clubs."

Cole would not be short of options if a long-term Chelsea deal is not forthcoming - ESPN can reveal that five clubs from four countries have made it known they want to open talks with him in January to discuss a transfer when he becomes a free agent in the summer.

One of those clubs could be Manchester United, who are potentially seeking a successor to their captain Patrice Evra and were linked with a summer move for Everton's Leighton Baines.

Paris St Germain, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan, together with United, are likely to make a move for the England full-back.

ESPN revealed last week that Cole had rejected a one-year contract offer from Chelsea, with PSG likely to be favourites to lead the chase to sign him.

Chelsea's age policy resulted in the summer departure of Didier Drogba to China, and could also see Frank Lampard move to LA Galaxy.

Captain John Terry has next season left on his contract but, while he nearly joined Manchester City two years ago, there is little likelihood that he would want to leave. He sees himself progressing to the coaching staff and eventually becoming manager.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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