Arsenal, Chelsea legend inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 25 March 2024

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is the next inductee into the Premier League's Hall of Fame, becoming the 22nd player to be included.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has become the latest inductee to the Premier League's Hall of Fame.

The left-back won three Premier League titles during a 14-year stint in the English top flight, being a part of the illustrious invincible Arsenal team from 2003-04.

Cole won his first title early in his Arsenal career, as a 21-year-old in the 2001-02 season, where the Gunners completed a league and cup double.

The left-back's one title at Chelsea came under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009-10, where the club hit over 100 league goals to beat Manchester United to top spot by a single point.

That same year, Cole was also named England's Player of the Year - a rare accolade for a full-back to win.

Cole made 385 Premier League appearances, and on top of his three titles, he was also named in the PFA Team of the Season on four occasions.

Noted for his immense attacking ability, Cole scored 15 goals and registered 31 assists from left-back, while also keeping 147 clean sheets.

Ashley Cole pictured for England in 2014 © Reuters

Cole would also go on to win 107 caps for England thanks to his performances at club level, being widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs of all time.

Speaking on his induction, Cole said: "It's humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.

"I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. 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."

Cole is the 22nd inductee to the Hall of Fame, and he spoke of his delight to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the league's finest ever players.

"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."

Since retirement in 2019, Cole has gone on to coach under former teammates Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, and he now has a job in the England under-21 setup.