Arsenal have been the home to several iconic footballers over the years.
The Gunners are the third most successful club in English football history, and they have produced, signed and developed some incredible players.
Wayne Rooney knows all about Arsenal, having watched and played against them over the years, but only two players get into his ultimate football team.
Thierry Henry is obviously one of them, but the other may surprise some people – Ashley Cole.
Who is Arsenal’s greatest player ever?
Wayne Rooney names Arsenal Invincible Ashley Cole in his ultimate football XI
Cole is one of the greatest left-backs of all time.
The Englishman came through the ranks at Arsenal and became a regular in the first team. He played a big part in helping the Gunners win the Premier League titles in 2001/02 and 2003/04.
Cole was loved by Arsenal fans during his time at the club, but disagreements over a new contract led to his departure in 2006.
Chelsea signed the defender from the Gunners for just £5 million in a deal that also saw William Gallas move in the opposite direction (BBC).
As a Blue, Cole went on to become an even bigger star and was definitely the best left-back in the world at one stage.
Rooney played with the Chelsea legend for the England national team, and it is clear to see that he rates him very highly.
When asked to name his ultimate football XI by Mail Sport, the Manchester United icon chose Cole at left-back over any of his old club teammates.
Wayne Rooney’s ultimate XI in full: Edwin van der Sar, Ashley Cole, Paolo Maldini, Rio Ferdinand, Cafu, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, Thierry Henry.
Answer honestly: Is Ashley Cole an Arsenal legend?
Selling Ashley Cole was Arsene Wenger’s biggest regret at Arsenal
Arsenal should’ve never sold Cole.
Thierry Henry revealed recently that the Gunners went back on their word during negotiations with the left-back, and that led to his departure.
Even Arsene Wenger was very disappointed to lose Cole. Years later, he admitted that it was one of his big regrets.
He said in 2023: “Well, of the players who left Arsenal who had a very big career after leaving Arsenal, I would say Ashley Cole. He was the only one who moved on and improved his career.
“It was a regret of my life. We recently had a meeting with the Invincibles, and he was in the meeting. I was glad he was in the meeting because he had a bad feeling, and I had regrets that he left the club at the time.”
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