Chelsea icon Ashley Cole has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defenders to grace the Premier League after becoming the latest member of the prestigious Hall of Fame.
The former England international boasts a glittering 15-year career playing for some of the most successful clubs in England, leaving an undeniable mark on the top flight.
Cole etched his name in Premier League folklore as part of Arsenal’s legendary ‘Invincibles’ team that conquered the league undefeated in the 2004/05 season.
This marked his second league title, adding to his earlier triumph in 2001/02, before he secured another Premier League crown with Chelsea in the 2009/10 campaign.
Cole joins a distinguished company in the Hall of Fame, standing alongside former Arsenal stars Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry.
He also joins fellow Chelsea legends Petr Cech, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard in the highly regarded category.
“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame,” Cole said. “It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.
“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day-by-day and game-by-game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this, and you just do it for the love of the game of football.
“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand – I’m privileged to be in their company.”
Cole’s induction sees him become the 22nd member of the Hall of Fame.
The coveted award recognises individuals who have not only achieved exceptional success on the pitch but have also left a lasting mark on the Premier League.
Cole is the first of three legends joining the Hall of Fame this year, with two more iconic figures set to be announced next month.
