As the newest inductee into the esteemed Hall of Fame, Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has solidified his place in Premier League history as one of the best defenders ever to play the position. With a 15-year career that included playing for some of the most successful English clubs, Cole has left an indelible mark on the top division.
Cole made his mark on Premier League history as a member of Arsenal’s fabled “Invincibles” squad, which won the league title without losing in the 2004–05 campaign.
In addition to the previous victory in 2001–02, this was his second league win. In the 2009–10 season, he won another Premier League championship with Chelsea.
As Cole enters the Hall of Fame, he will be in the company of former Arsenal players Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, and Thierry Henry, among others.
Alongside him in the esteemed category are Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Petr Cech, all former Chelsea players.
“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.”
The esteemed accolade honours those who have made a significant impact on the Premier League in addition to achieving remarkable success on the field.
Cole is the first of three legendary people to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year; the announcement of the other two will come next month.