29 May 2013
Ray Wilkins has revealed Ashley Cole wanted to quit football years ago because of his poor media profile.
Wilkins, who worked with Cole during his spell as Chelsea assistant manager between 2008-10, is mystified by his unpopularity and admitted the 32-year-old would have already retired but for some advice he gave him during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
He told TalkSport: “I’m sure he’s felt like turning it in because of the adverse publicity.
“It got to him to that degree. I remember one conversation where I said, ‘This is ridiculous Ashley, you’ve got so much to give. Don’t be doing that [packing in], that’s daft’.”
