Ashley Cole lauded legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo after the former Arsenal and Chelsea star became the first inductee into the 2024 Premier League Hall of Fame on Monday.
Cole named Ronaldo as the toughest opponent he ever faced during his career.
"Over the years, Cristiano Ronaldo and I had some mighty battles and we have a mutual respect for each other. He came to the Premier League as a little bit of an unknown, but he soon understood what it took to be a top player. He was willing to learn and adapt. He wanted to be the best player in the world and became a machine,” Cole said.
"He had everything. He could dribble, he could sprint behind, he could leap and jump and head a ball, he could go inside, he could go outside. So I say he always gave me nightmares, but you try to work each other out and we got the best of each other at times. Whenever I hear his name or see his face, I always think of when he made me do the splits! [in 2003/04, Ronaldo’s first Premier League season]."
Cole bagged three Premier League crowns during a 15-season career at Arsenal and Chelsea. He is considered one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history.
He was also a member of the record-breaking "Invincibles" Arsenal team which went unbeaten through the 2003/04 season.
Cole racked up 385 Premier League appearances in total, notching up 147 clean sheets, scoring 15 goals and bagging 31 assists.
“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame," said Cole. "It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.
“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day by day and game by game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this and you just do it for the love of the game of football.
“I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me.
“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company.”
