Ashley Cole came through Arsenal academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 18 before he was sold to Chelsea in 2006
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal gaffer, Arsene Wenger has agreed that his decision to sanction the sale of former Gunners right-back, Ashley Cole to rivals, Chelsea in 2006, was an error of judgment by him.
Wenger admitted to the mistake when he spoke to beIN Sports about his stay at the London club and other football-related issues.
The defender, who came through Arsenals’ academy, made his first-team debut at the age of 18 before he was sold to London rivals Chelsea in 2006.
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He won two Premier League titles and three FA Cup trophies with Arsenal but was left disgruntled with the club’s offer of a new contract extension, paving the way for his move to Chelsea.
Ashley Cole joined Chelsea in a swap deal that involved William Gallas moving in the opposite direction after The Blues had paid £5m.
Wenger said selling the English defender to their London rival was an error because he rose through the ranks at Arsenal.
He added that Ashley Cole is one of the few footballers who got better as he grew older.
He said: “The player I think we, internally, it was a mistake to lose was Ashley Cole.
“Because he was playing at nine, 10 years old for the club.
“Ashley Cole came out of the club. I think it was a misunderstanding over a few thousand pounds.
“Ashley Cole is one of the few players who developed even more and continued to develop when he left.”
