The following is a press release from the LA Galaxy.
LA Galaxy Acquire Defender Ashley Cole
CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016) –The LA Galaxy have acquired English defender Ashley Cole, the club announced today. Cole, who has captured four Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title during his time with England’s Arsenal and Chelsea, will occupy an International roster spot pending the receipt of a P-1 Visa and ITC. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Ashley is one of the world’s most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager. “He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season.”
Cole began his professional career when he signed with Arsenal in 1998. He went on to make 228 total appearances, winning two Premier League Titles and three FA Cups for the North London side. Cole also featured for Arsenal’s 2003-04 squad that went undefeated in league play. The defender transferred to Chelsea in 2006 and became one of the club’s most accomplished defenders, making 229 appearances and winning two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy and four FA Cups. He was named to the PFA Team of the Year, England’s award for the top players in all tiers of competition, four times during his storied career (2003, 2004, 2005, 2011).
After over 10 years in England, Cole moved to Italy when he signed with A.S. Roma in Serie A, Italy’s top-flight professional division, where he spent two seasons.
In addition to his club career, Cole has featured extensively for the English National Team, making World Cup appearances in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The fullback also featured for England in UEFA Euro 2004 and 2012. In all, Cole made over 100 appearances for his country, making him the most capped fullback in English history.
Transaction: Galaxy sign English defender Ashely Cole.
Name: Ashley Cole
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Weight: 146 lbs.
Born: December 20, 1980
Hometown: Stephney, London, England
Last Club: AS Roma
Citizenship: England
The Galaxy kick off the 2016 MLS Regular Season at StubHub Center on Sunday, March 6, against D.C. United (7 p.m. PT, UniMás). LA Galaxy Season Ticket Memberships for the 2016 MLS season are available for purchase now. Season Ticket Members and Galaxy fans can go to www.lagalaxy.com/tickets/seasontickets or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) to secure their 2016 LA Galaxy Season Ticket package.
Becoming a 2016 LA Galaxy Season Ticket Member gives fans the opportunity to receive a number of benefits, including discounted pricing, LA Galaxy Team Store discounts, access to the 2016 Season Ticket Member Event, season tickets to LA Galaxy II, early game day stadium access and access to LA Galaxy Champions League matches, among other exclusive benefits. For more information, visit www.lagalaxy.com/seasontickets or call an LA Galaxy representative at 877-3GALAXY (342-5299).
Main Photo: Chelsea’s English defender Ashley Cole gestures to Chelsea fans following the English Premier League football match between Cardiff City and Chelsea at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff on May 11, 2014. Chelsea won 2-1. Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images.
