Chelsea left-back linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona
Of the most ridiculous rumours this summer during the transfer window, the one about Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole making a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona is the worst.
There have been reports by British media suggesting the Blues defender had decided on transferring to Spain, where he intended to finish his career.
At 30 years old, Cole is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, left-backs in the English Premier League.
He transferred to Stamford Bridge from London rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2006 for a fee of £5 million plus central defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/William-Gallas-c36874.
Managing to maintain a place in the first team under the various managers at Chelsea, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Total-c40747 of 213 appearances in all competitions, with six goals.
He has an average of 43 appearances over his five seasons at Stamford Bridge, making him a crucial player for the team.
Apart from that, Cole has a remarkable fitness record, making him one of the most consistent players for the Blues in recent times.
He played an important part during the 2009-2010 season when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 went on to claim their first domestic double of the English Premier League and the FA Cup.
While Cole is reportedly happy at Chelsea, it is his personal life that could force him to make a move to Spain.
He has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons, from his split with celebrity wife Cheryl Cole to run-ins with the law to the bizarre air gun shooting incident at Stamford Bridge.
To get away from the notorious English media and live a relatively peaceful life, Cole is considering a move to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011.
He has identified http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-c30728 Madrid and Barcelona as possible destinations where he could end up, even though official confirmation has not yet been received.
Either of the La Liga sides are highly unlikely to purchase the services of the 30 year old http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international, but if Cole was to make a move it would most likely be to the Santiago Bernabeu.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 coach Pep Guardiola has never shown interest in the Blues left-back, but Jose Mourinho could consider bringing in Cole.
It was Mourinho who signed Cole from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 in 2006, after the disastrous World Cup, and developed him into a top class player.
It remains to be seen if Madrid make an offer for Cole, he is worth an estimated £25-30 million.
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