Source: Team_Talk
Ancelotti ended Cole exit efforts
Ashley Cole has revealed that Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti persuaded him to stay at Stamford Bridge in the summer.[LNB] The England left-back's personal problems were well-documented and with ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho having taken charge at Real Madrid, Cole was linked with a move to the Spanish giants.[LNB]The 29-year-old, who is under contract until 2013, admits he felt his future lay overseas. But he discussed matters with Ancelotti, who told Cole he was still a big part of his plans at Stamford Bridge, and convinced him not to push through a transfer request.[LNB]"I don't think leaving was ever an actual option," Cole told Sky Sports News.[LNB]"There was a time, in my head, when I thought I needed to leave England.[LNB]"But I sat down with the manager and he made it clear that I wasn't going anywhere so it was the end of the story.[LNB]"I've got three years left and if I'm fit and well I hope to see out my contract here, and hopefully win some more trophies as well."[LNB]Chelsea remain top of the Premier League despite Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.[LNB]But while Manchester United claimed a last-gasp winner at home to Wolves to cut the gap at the top of the table to two points, Arsenal remain five points behind having lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Sunday.[LNB]"I think it could have been worse," Cole admitted. "If you look at teams like Arsenal, who are up there every year, they're quality, but luckily they didn't get a result.[LNB]"Man United pulled it back last minute and got a good result, but on Wednesday we've got a chance to bounce back now.[LNB]"That's the good thing about football - you have a game straight away to put out the bad memories.[LNB]"It's lucky for us that after a defeat we're still top, and that's where you want to finish at the end of the season.[LNB]"It's still in our hands to keep winning games and keep pushing on, and Wednesday's a big test for us to get back on track."[LNB]The Blues host Fulham looking to maintain their flawless home record having not dropped a point or even conceded a goal in five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge this season.[LNB]Brazil international Ramires was the only new signing over the summer, while a host of established names moved on after helping the club win its first Double last term.[LNB]But Cole feels the current squad is better equipped for the future.[LNB]"As a player it's always nice to see these young guys coming through like [LNB]Josh (McEachran), Gael (Kakuta), (Jeffrey) Bruma and Pat van Aanholt.[LNB]"They train with us every day so if there's a time they will come into the team and start to play more, I think they'll be good enough and it's only going to help them to gain the experience.[LNB]"People say about the old guys but there's so much experience and they keep going, they keep working hard in training. Everyone who's fit is raring to go, and hopefully we can get a few of our key players back as well.[LNB]"When you look back, you do miss characters. We lost Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Deco. Ricardo Carvalho was great around the training ground - and they were all great players.[LNB]"But we've started well this season and who knows what can happen.[LNB]"I think, as a club, the main thing is to bring these young guys through because the older guys aren't going to be there forever.[LNB]"At the minute it's a good mix and it's nice for the fans to see young guys coming through."
