Arsene Wenger has declared letting Ashley Cole leave as the ‘biggest regret of my career’.
In an interview, Wenger described Cole as: ‘A regret of my career. He left on a misunderstanding between his agent and the club. A fantastic fighter as well. The rest of his career has shown how big a player he is. It should have been here.’
Cole left Arsenal in 2006 after 156 games for the Gunners. He had been at the club since 1997, but left to join London rivals Chelsea. Cole was blamed for leaving just for the money and it seems that may well have been the case. Cole went on to play 229 games for Chelsea and impressed throughout, with many suggesting he is the best left back in Premier League history.
The Gunners replaced Cole with Clichy and now Gibbs. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to his fellow Englishman but so far, his injury troubles have not allowed him to progress at the same rate as Cole’s. Perhaps Wenger’s regret with Cole is showing why he is determined to keep faith with Gibbs.
At the age of 33, Cole is now plying his trade in Serie A playing for Roma.
The quotes come from Amy Lawrence’s new ‘Invincibles’ book which can be bought here. We heavily recommend it.