Ashley Cole admits he couldn't leave John Terry and Frank Lampard

Simon Johnson
11 Sep 2009

Ashley Cole took some time to commit his long-term future to Chelsea but in his eyes there was never a chance he would stop playing with the Blues brothers John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Cole's decision to sign a new four-year deal last week was lost among the hype and expectancy ahead of England's game against Croatia.

There were fears that Barcelona could tempt the former Arsenal left-back to the Nou Camp, yet the 28-year-old insists that was never a possibility.

He said: "I love being around people like JT and Lamps. They inspire you because they always want to fight and win games. They will give you a kick up the backside which is exactly how it should be. You always know you can't slack around with these guys.

"As a leader JT is exactly what you want. I've had some great captains over the years but I would say he's the best. If you've ever got a problem, he's always there to help and he's been there for me at times when I've been down.

"Of course I knew all about Frank from playing against him for Arsenal and with him for England. But since I've been here, you see him at training and how he works hard every day. Young kids need to watch him and see what an inspiration he is because if they do, they've got a chance of going a long way."

Chelsea's title credentials will face a tough test at fifth-placed Stoke tomorrow. It is the first match since the Gael Kakuta affair and FIFA's decision to ban them from signing players until 2011.

Lampard claims it has given the squad a siege mentality but Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross warns they will be facing a siege of a different kind from the home supporters at the Brittania Stadium.

He said: "They are the loudest fans I have ever heard and when they're in full voice it is scary for other teams to come and play here. It gives us a boost and I'm sure it will be the same tomorrow."