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KUALA LUMPUR: England international defender Ashley Cole said on Wednesday that he wants to end his career at Chelsea and was full of praise for new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Cole, 31, who has been linked with moves abroad to escape the media limelight, is only two years younger than the Portuguese, but the left-back said that had definite benefits.
“We have a young manager who is somewhat on the same wavelength with the players. This is wonderful to the team,” said Cole, who is rated one of the best players in the world in his position.
“When we train and if we are tired the manager will stop the training and move on to other things to add spice to our training sessions. This has been good and we have come on fine so far.”
The London team arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to kick off their 15-day Asia tour. They play a Malaysian side Thursday.
Cole described Chelsea as “a fantastic club that can win titles at all levels.”
“It was disappointing last season although we came close only to fall at crucial stages. We hope to win something in the new season. I want to end my playing career with Chelsea.
“There are still many more years of football in me and I want to be part of Chelsea as this is the club that can pose a threat to all the big names in the game at all levels.”
Villas-Boas on Monday vowed to lead the club to an elusive Champions League title at the first attempt, dismissing suggestions his squad of superstars are past their prime.
Striker Nicolas Anelka, 32, who has been linked with moves LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, said he was not planning on going anywhere.
“I still have a one-year contract with Chelsea and want to give my best to the team in all competitions. I can still play an important part for the team.
“There will be challenges for us to do well in the English Premier League and also in all other competitions,” Anelka said in the steamy Malaysian capital, adding his under pressure strike partner Fernando Torres “is coming on fine”.
