Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea star Ashley Cole admits he nearly joined Real Madrid
Ashley Cole has revealed he came close to leaving Chelsea in the summer following his high-profile divorce but was persuaded to stay by Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.[LNB]The 29-year-old left-back was strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, where he would have been reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who signed him from Arsenal in 2006.[LNB]England international Cole was keen on a fresh start following his split from pop star Cheryl Cole, but was ultimately talked round by his Italian boss.[LNB] Staying on: Ashley Cole (right) in action for Chelsea against Spartak Moscow last week[LNB]Cole said: 'It was hard for me in my head. It wasn't just about the football, it was more my brain and it was getting too much for me.[LNB]'There were times when it was really hard. I did think about leaving but, of course, when I spoke to Ancelotti he made it clear he wanted me to stay and loved having me around.[LNB]Tempting: Cole nearly joined up with Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho[LNB]'The players didn't want me to go. I'm glad I stayed. A lot of people were saying,"You can't leave".[LNB]'I've stayed now and I've taken the flak and hopefully I'm coming through it.'[LNB]Cole turns 30 in December and hopes to play on at the top level for another four years, injuries permitting.[LNB]Cole added in the Daily Star Sunday: 'I would like to say four years - but you never know. I may end my career here.[LNB]'I've got good young players behind me at Chelsea and I hope one day they can get more games and one day take my place.[LNB]'But at the minute I'm just taking it year by year and seeing how the body is. I'm 29 but I feel like 35 or 40.[LNB]'It's hard getting up in the mornings but I hope to have another four years and hopefully win a few more medals and win the Champions League.'[LNB] Chelsea 2 Wolves 0: Blues stride clear, but Ancelotti's playing it coolCatch us if you can: Chelsea break another record and open five point gapCHELSEA FC
