Thaindian News

London, Aug 1 (ANI): Defender Ashley Cole told Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti that he wants to quit the club, and asked Spanish giant Real Madrid to sign him.

Cole had a 20-minute chat with Ancelotti at Chelsea’s training ground after reporting back last week.

And the 29-year-old England full-back stressed he feels he needs to leave the club now and move abroad to link up with former boss Jose Mourinho in the wake of his marriage break-up with pop star wife Cheryl and lurid stories about his personal life.

News of the World quoted a source close to Chelsea as saying: “It was a very amicable meeting, but Ashley made it clear that because of his personal situation he feels it is in his best interests to leave the club.

“He told Ancelotti that he will be very sad to leave and that it had been a privilege playing for the club during such a successful time in its history.”

Spanish giants Real have been monitoring Cole’s situation closely and are now poised to launch a 25 million pounds bid.

It is understood Real and former Chelsea boss Mourinho has been very supportive of Cole following Cheryl’s divorce announcement, although there is no suggestion he has made any formal overtures to the player.

Ancelotti is believed to have been sympathetic to Cole’s position, but does not want him to leave. (ANI)