Cole signs two-year Roma deal

Former England defender Ashley Cole has signed for Italian side Roma.

The 33-year-old left-back, released by Chelsea this summer, has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third., the club confirmed in a statement.

Cole later tweeted: "Will never forget my time in England was a pleasure, but now onto a new challenge."

Cole, who announced his international retirement after being overlooked by Roy Hodgson for England’s ill-fated World Cup campaign, became a free agent along with Frank Lampard at the end of the season, after Chelsea opted not to renew their contracts.

Cole's agent was involved in discussions with only foreign clubs, with Roma and sides in the MLS showing the strongest interest. 
Cole signed for Chelsea in a controversial move from rivals Arsenal in 2006 for £5million and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club.

He won the Premier League under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010, before clinching the 2012 Champions League under Roberto Di Matteo, as well as the 2013 Europa League with Rafa Benitez. He also has five FA Cup winners' medals.

Cole was a bit-part player last season, however, following Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge and he was deemed surplus to requirements by both his club and country at the end of the campaign.

With Roma in the Champions League this coming season, Cole could make a quick return to Stamford Bridge. The group-stage draw will be made next month.

Cole retires from England duty

Ashley Cole has retired from international football after being left out of England's World Cup squad.

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.

The Chelsea defender, who has 107 caps, then took to Twitter to announce his retirement from the international arena.

Cole tweeted: "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."

Cole made his international debut against Albania in 2001 and had been a regular in the England side since.

The 33-year-old has started every tournament game since making his finals bow in the 2002 World Cup against Sweden and he is the country's fifth most-capped player.

The former Arsenal defender has performed well for his country at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

But he was always going to find it hard to earn a place in Hodgson's World Cup squad after losing his first-team place at Chelsea to Cesar Azpilicueta, who normally operates at right-back.

And Luke Shaw's emergence at Southampton finally put an end to Cole's World Cup dreams.