CARSON, Calif. -- Ashley Cole addressed his disparaging comments directed at Major League Soccer during his introductory press conference with the LA Galaxy on Friday.
Sitting alongside Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena and fellow newcomer Jelle Van Damme, Cole clarified comments made in 2014 where he referred to MLS as "relaxing on a beach."
"I'm not going to defend myself because it was said. It was sure taken out of context because I was speaking to the reporter before, and he told me that he was glad to have me at Roma because they didn't expect me to be here, they thought I was going to relax on the beach. In the interview, I said it and it came out of my mouth," Cole said. Of course, you have to understand that I was with a new team, and I had to tell the fans at Roma that I came to fight and was there to win things...of course, I hold my hand up, but for sure, it was taken out of context. I hope that I can change the views of me by being on the pitch and playing as well as I can."
Cole understands that his transition to MLS will be a challenging one, but the veteran Englishman is ready for the difficulty.
"When you see people like Lampard, Stevie G, Keano, and I've spoken to them how difficult it is. I've spoken to the manager about how difficult it is and the demands placed on you," said Cole. "I'm not fooled because I know how hard it's going to be. I'm going to change a few views of me being here. I'm a winner. I didn't come to sit on a beach. I'm not here to rest. I'm here to play football and to work hard. I'm not a diva or this egotistical guy who thinks that he's better than anyone. I'm going to do everything that I can."
