The LA Galaxy have signed defender Ashley Cole to a one-year contract, the club announced today. Cole, 37, signs ahead of his third season in Los Angeles.
“We are very excited that Ashley will be returning for us in 2018. He’s been a tremendous leader for our club,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He’s shown he can be successful in this league and we’re confident that will continue in the season ahead.”
With the Galaxy, Cole has collected 55 appearances since signing with the club in January 2016. In his first season in MLS, Cole was a part of a defense that allowed just 1.15 goals per game, tied for second-best in the league.
Before his move to MLS, Ashley Cole captured four Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title in his time with England’s Arsenal and Chelsea.
Cole began his professional career when he signed with Arsenal in 1998. After over 10 years in England, Cole moved to Italy when he signed with A.S. Roma in Serie A, Italy’s top-flight professional division, where he spent two seasons.
In addition to his club career, Cole featured extensively for the English National Team, making World Cup appearances in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The fullback also featured for England in UEFA Euro 2004 and 2012. In all, Cole made over 100 appearances for his country, making him the most capped fullback in English history.
The Galaxy re-sign Cole after acquiring Venezuelan National Team defender Rolf Feltscher, Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik and acquiring the rights to former San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham.
Cole and the LA Galaxy will open the 2018 MLS Regular Season at StubHub Center on Sunday, March 4, at 7 p.m. PT against Portland Timbers.
