Morning:
8°c
Ashley Cole admits he feels guilty for letting his former Chelsea manager down.
Mourinho's 18-month pursuit of the left-back from Arsenal was finally completed in 2006 after a tapping-up controversy which saw both men and Chelsea fined by the Premier League.
Cole - bought in a £5million deal which saw William Gallas move the other way - regrets he never played to his potential under Mourinho, whose Inter Milan side face Chelsea in Pasadena tonight.
"I owe him a lot," said Cole. "He took me from a rival club and had the confidence to buy me. I didn't play well under him and I was sad to see him go because I wanted to prove to him and everyone else I was the right guy that he bought. I am sad that I didn't repay him."
Cole's team-mate John Terry is still a target for Manchester City but Carlo Ancelotti believes his captain will confirm next week he is staying. The Blues manager said: "I think in one week there will be no problems with John Terry. He wants to stay at Chelsea and we want him here for more years."
Midfielder Michael Ballack is set to miss the last three games of the club's US tour after fracturing his toe but is expected to be okay for the start of the season. Defender Jose Bosingwa should face Inter after overcoming a foot injury.
Reader views (4)
Manny - the difference is we were punished by the FA. Man City are getting away with tapping up scott-free.
- Blue Baby, London, 21/07/2009 15:39
Report abuse
Ashley, don't ever say that. You needed time to adjust and we all knew you were injured b4 your move to Chelsea and that niggling injury persisted until beginning of last season when it stopped. You just showed us what a top player you are, just go on and be the best by winning nig things for Super Club Chelsea. I wish you and all the Chelsea lads a great bill of health and a trophy-haul season, big things this season. Stay blessed.
- Kofinho, London, UK, 21/07/2009 15:19
Report abuse
Yep! The difference is Ashley Cole wanted to come to a winning team. At the moment Man City are only wannabes who haven't won a major trophy in decades and aren't in Europe this coming season.
- Phil, Milford, Surrey, 21/07/2009 12:35
Report abuse
Chelsea and Ashley Cole transfer, Manchester City and John Terry, spot the difference?
- Manny Goldstein, London, UK, 21/07/2009 11:46
Report abuse
