Ashley Cole: Roma sign former Chelsea defender on two-year deal

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Ashley ColeImage source, @OfficialASRoma
Image caption,

Cole was a free agent, having left Chelsea after eight years at Stamford Bridge

Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has joined Roma on a two-year deal.

The Italian Serie A club tweeted a photograph, external of the 33-year-old, and confirmed on their website he has signed a contract until 2016.

Former England left-back Cole was a free agent after Chelsea opted not to offer him a new deal at the end of the season, his eighth at the club.

He tweeted:, external "Will never forget my time in England - was a pleasure, but now onto a new challenge."

Ashley Cole timeline

November 1999

Makes Arsenal debut in League Cup

March 2001

Makes England senior debut in World Cup qualifier against Albania

2002

First-choice left-back as Arsenal win the Premier League and FA Cup double

August 2006

Signs for Chelsea

May 2010

Wins the second league and cup double of his career

May 2012

Wins a record seventh FA Cup

May 2012

Wins the Champions League final at the third time of asking

January 2013

Agrees one-year contract with Chelsea

May 2014

Retires from international football after failing to make England's World Cup squad

July 2014

Released by Chelsea

Cole joined Chelsea in 2006, winning the Premier League in 2010 and the Champions League in 2012.

He also won four FA Cups with the Blues to add to the three he lifted with Arsenal, where he was a Premier League champion twice.

Cole, who started 15 Premier League games last season, won 107 caps for England but announced his retirement from international football after being left out of squad for the 2014 World Cup.

Roma will compete in the Champions League this season after finishing as runners-up in Serie A last term.

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