Ashley Cole

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Cole's move to Chelsea on 31 August 2006 was completed after negotiations that extended past the transfer deadline, with William Gallas moving to Arsenal as part of the deal. The £5 million fee sparked anger among Arsenal fans who dubbed him 'Cashley'. Despite this acrimonious start, Cole issued a statement saying he 'forgave' his former club. His time at Chelsea was marked by resilience; after suffering a serious knee injury against Blackburn Rovers on 31 January 2007, he returned in March to assist both goals in a win over Portsmouth and played the final twelve minutes of the 2007 FA Cup final victory against Manchester United. The following years saw Cole become a central figure in Chelsea's success. He scored his first goal for the club on 1 March 2008, netting the fourth in a 4–0 away win at West Ham United. After signing a new four-year deal in September 2009, he helped secure the Premier League title in the 2009–10 season, scoring against Wigan Athletic on the final day to clinch the championship. Cole's adaptability was tested when dropped for Wayne Bridge in the 2008 League Cup final, but he responded by maintaining his place as a key player under various managers.

In Their Own Story

The defining moments of Cole's Chelsea career include his pivotal role in the 2011–12 Champions League campaign. In the semi-final against Barcelona on their way to glory, Cole made a vital goal-line clearance that denied an away goal in a 1–0 victory. That same season, he won his seventh FA Cup after beating Liverpool 2–1. Cole continued to contribute to silverware in the 2012–13 season, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Europa League with a 2–1 victory over Benfica on 15 May 2013. Even when facing setbacks like a fractured left ankle against Everton in February 2010, which kept him out for three months, he returned to play in an 8–0 win over Wigan that secured the league title. His consistency was highlighted by making all 38 league games in the 2010–11 season, earning the Chelsea F.C. Player's Player of the Year award for the second time.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Cole's specific contributions, his goal-scoring record at Chelsea is notable. He scored against Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland in consecutive home games during the 2008–09 season. On 1 December 2012, he reached a milestone of 350 Premier League appearances. His contract history includes signing a one-year extension on 22 January 2013, keeping him at the club until 2014. Cole's legacy is cemented by his record-breaking seven FA Cup winners' medals, more than any other player in history. He is also one of only two players to have won the Double with two different clubs, alongside Nicolas Anelka. His tenure ended when he was released at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, having established himself as a legend who won the Premier League (2009–10), four FA Cups (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012), one Football League Cup, and two European titles (Champions League 2012, Europa League 2013).

Did You Know?

• Cole won the FA Cup seven times, a record more than any other player in history.
• He is one of only two players to have won the Double with two different clubs (Arsenal and Chelsea).
• His transfer to Chelsea was finalized after the official deadline had passed, confirmed an hour and a half late.
• Cole scored in the penalty shoot-out to help Chelsea win their first UEFA Champions League title in 2012.
• He made his 350th Premier League appearance on 1 December 2012 in a match against West Ham United.