Ashley Cole has announced his retirement from international football after being left out in England’s World Cup squad.
He made this known via a tweet posted on his twitter page on Sunday, May 11, 2014 after England manager Roy Hodgson called Cole on Sunday night to inform him that he would not be in his 23-man squad for the tournament in Brazil.
We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now. 😢😢
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
The decision brings an end to a lengthy and successful international career for Cole, who made his England debut against Albania in 2001 and had been a regular in the England side since.
The former Arsenal defender and Chelsea defender has performed well for his country at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and he is the country’s fifth most-capped player.
