Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

Ashley Cole rejected MLS offers

New Roma signing Ashley Cole has said he rejected offers to play in the United States because he is "not ready to relax on a beach yet."

- Benatia staying at Roma

Cole, 33, was released by Chelsea this summer and had been linked with a move to Major League Soccer.

However, while his former Blues teammate Frank Lampard is expected to join new MLS franchise New York City FC, Cole will continue to play in the Champions League.

"I had offers from the USA, but I'm not ready to relax on a beach yet," the former England international told reporters at Rome's Fiumicino airport. "I've won a lot in my career already, but I don't want to stop.

"I'm 33 and I'm getting older, but I still have a burning desire to win. That's what I'm here for. I've always had this winning mentality. I can't stand losing."

Roma finished runners-up behind Juventus in Serie A last season but Cole is confident coach Rudi Garcia can lead them to the title this time around.

"Winning is the aim," he said. "If we don't, that would be disappointing. We have a team capable of winning the league.

"I decided to come here because of the ambitions this great club have. I've spoken with Garcia, who expressed his determination to win, and I want to play my part in winning the scudetto."

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