Cole’s agent hails switch to Blues as Arsenal struggle
Former England international Ashley Cole’s agent Jonathan Barnett believes his switch from Arsenal to Chelsea was a fantastic move.
The 34-year-old left Arsenal for Stamford Bridge in 2006 for £5 million, seeing William Gallas go the other way. But his agent admits that move would never have happened, had Arsenal stuck to their word.
“If Arsenal hadn’t gone back on their word, Ashley would have stayed 100% and that would never have happened.” Barnett told The Guardian, when speaking of the Gunners’ £55,000-a-week contract offer to Cole.
It was understood the deal was meant to be around £60,000-a-week, which left the England left-back angered and subsequently moving across London to Chelsea.
Financial rewards for Cole
Barnett believes Cole has benefitted from the issues at Arsenal, by enjoying a more financially rewarding and successful career in west London.
“But it was probably the best thing that ever happened to Ashley Cole.” Barnett added.
“Arsenal won nothing, he won everything and financially he was much better off.
“My job as an agent was done.”
Cole went on to win the league, four FA Cups, one League Cup, a Community Shield, the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea. While Arsenal have not won the title since 2004, when Cole was still with the club.
The former England left-back made a total of 229 league appearances for the Blues, scoring seven times, and has made 16 appearances for current club AS Roma in Serie A this season.
