England legend Ashley Cole has announced his retirement and an “incredible” career.
Former Chelsea full back Cole, 38, said he was quitting as a player live on Sky and said he wants to move into coaching rather than become a TV pundit.
Cole has already begun his FA coaching badges and got the bug after moving to Derby last season and playing under former Chelsea team mate Frank Lampard.
Cole, who won 107 caps for England and was part of the Golden Generation, said: “After hard consideration, it's time to hang my boots up and look towards my next chapter, which will hopefully be coaching.”
Asked to sum up his career which began when he made his debut for Arsenal in a League Cup tie in 1999, Cole said: “Incredible.
"As a young kid, I never expected to play one game or be a professional. Looking back, to be able to say I played in World Cups, Champions League finals, being lucky enough to lift Premier League titles - it's a young kid's dream.
"I fulfilled my dream and now I look to the future, hopefully as a great coach.
"I look back now and think, 'I played for my country over 100 times'. I'm proud of that and it's just a little bit disappointing I didn't get to a final, or even a semi-final, with England.”
Cole established himself as the best left back in the world during his time with England and enjoyed some memorable battles with Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2004 and the World Cup two years later, but Portugal won both games on penalties.
He did have a controversial side to his career - nicknamed Cashley over a contract dispute when he left Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006 - but then went onto to enjoy Premier League title winning success under Jose Mourinho and winning the Champions League.
Despite the controversies, Cole must go down as one of England’s all time greats and now he is set to follow the likes of Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney in wanting to get into coaching and management.
