Ashley Cole is a top ten trending term on Twitter right now in the United States as the L.A. Galaxy confirmed his move to the reigning Major League Soccer champions. Cole, 35, signing with L.A. is yet another chapter in the “MLS is the Retirement Home for former English Stars” book.
Cole joins new teammate Steven Gerrard in the category of age 35 and over European stars who play the twilight of their careers in American MLS. Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, the list just keeps growing and growing. Here’s the Tweet announcing the signing of the former Chelsea and Arsenal Defender who was released by Roma.
BREAKING: The #LAGalaxy have signed English defender Ashley Cole https://t.co/OKKe2ObYvp pic.twitter.com/1BPgDdkqo0
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 27, 2016
“Ashley is one of the world’s most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career,” said LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena.
“He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season.”
In eight years with the Blues, Ashley Cole made 229 appearances won two more Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League title. During his time at Arsenal, Cole made 228 appearances and won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
Ashley Cole is considered one of the greatest left backs of his era, but I don’t see what this move really does for the L.A. Galaxy or the MLS in general. I can’t picture his addition really adding major ticket sales or a substantial amount of new fans.
Steven Gerrard disagrees with me.
“I think it is a master stroke by the club,” Gerrard said of Cole’s signing. “I know he looks after himself, he’s very professional, he’s hungry, he loves the game, and defense is one of the areas we went wrong last year.”
“Ashley is a world-class defender, and he’s still got a lot to offer, so it’s a very good bit of business.”
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