Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has revealed his desire to extend his stay with LA Galaxy for an additional year. The ex-England international has been with the California-based club since his release from Italian side AS Roma in the winter of 2016.
In a report covered by The Mirror, Cole revealed his ambition to prolong his professional career with Galaxy despite approaching his 37th birthday. The ex-England international saw Galaxy finish rock-bottom of the Western Conference during the previous campaign but he is hoping that he can play a role in reversing their fortunes.
He said, “I’m in discussions with LA Galaxy. I hope to hear back from there in the next week or two. For sure I’ll be playing somewhere for another year. It’s certainly different in terms of a lifestyle [from Europe] but I still want to win. And to be able to do it with a big team like LA Galaxy would top it off. It’s certainly different in terms of a lifestyle [from Europe] but I still want to win.”
Meanwhile, Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid has likewise refused to rule out the prospect of offering a one-year extension to Cole after another decent season, where he contributed one goal and two assists in 29 appearances. The 64-year-old has also been given the permission to make changes in the backroom, and the club recently demoted general manager Vagenas after the worst-ever finish in their league history.
Galaxy will be expected to reshuffle their squad options after a torrid league campaign, and Cole appears keen on retiring with the MLS club, rather than pursuing a final challenge in England. Birmingham City were one of the clubs credited with an interest in the summer, and Cole may well be glad to have snubbed the approach with the Blues struggling at the bottom of the Championship.