Ashley Cole has defended his decision not to feature in a book about Arsenal's "Invincibles."
"Invincible: Inside Arsenal's unbeaten 2003-04 season" by Amy Lawrence was released last October and included interviews with a whole host of stars from the Gunners' undefeated Premier League title-winning campaign that year.
However, Cole -- Arsene Wenger's first-choice left-back that season -- chose not to get involved, and has now suggested his acrimonious move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 was the reasoning behind his absence.
People asking why I'm not in the #Invincibles book I thought it would be for the best. I didn't think fans would want it,
- Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) February 24, 2015
But I will never forget my times at arsenal and the amazing achievements I accomplished there with great people ����
- Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) February 24, 2015
A new film about the season in which Arsenal went unbeaten in the Premier League was also premiered this week, with members of the then-Gunners squad attending.
Former Arsenal players such as Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann and Sol Campbell all made an appearance, however, Cole -- now playing for Roma -- was missing once again.
The #InvinciblesDoc with some of my friends!!! pic.twitter.com/AOZaNHC6eY
- robert pires (@piresrobert7) February 23, 2015
"It's been very emotional really -- just going over all the ups and downs and accolades from that season," Campbell told Arsenal Media about the premiere. "Thinking about the achievement we made, hopefully it will stand the test of time. It's just great to be a part of that."
Arsenal finished the 2003-04 campaign with 90 points, having won 26 games, drawn 12 and lost none. They also hit 73 goals in that time, while conceding 26.