Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has admitted he is ready for a new challenge after signing for Serie A outfit Roma.
The ex-England international, who left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer following eight trophy-laden years in west London, will ply his trade overseas for the first time in his career.
Left-back Cole took to social media site Twitter to tell his followers he will always remember his time in his homeland with fondness, but he is focused on the next chapter.
He said: “Happy to have signed my contract at #roma just want to thank everyone for your lovely messages.
“Will never forget my time in England, it was a pleasure, but now onto a new challenge.”
The 33-year-old jetted out for talks with the Giallorossi yesterday, and a deal was clearly on the cards when he was accompanied by his legal representatives.
After a morning of discussions with the Roma contingent he put pen to paper on a lucrative two-year deal.
Despite leaving an environment in which he thrived, Cole will still be competing at the highest level in the Italian capital, as Rudi Garcia’s side successfully qualified for the Champions League at the end of last season.
He will also be free of international distractions, having decided to call time on his Three Lions career after being left out of the squad for their ill-fated World Cup campaign in Brazil.
He won 107 caps for his country during a 13-year spell between 2001 and 2014.