ASHLEY COLE HAS HIT back at Arsenal fans by saying that collecting his fourth FA Cup winner’s medal should finally silence them.

The England defender lifted the trophy three times with his former club, but claimed that winning it with Chelsea meant more to him because of the criticism he has received after his controversial move across London last summer.

Cole only appeared for the last 12 minutes of extra time, but was delighted to come on after struggling with an ankle injury. “It feels extra special as I’ve had a lot of flak and hopefully it will shut people up,” he said. “I only played for ten minutes but celebrated like I played the whole game. It’s my fourth one now, which is up there with people like Ryan Giggs, which is unbelievable. It means a little bit more to me personally and I’m very happy.

“There’s no need to say anything more and I’m just proud and happy to be here. Four days ago I couldn’t even walk. I’ve been struggling as I’ve got an operation on Tuesday, but the manager’s kept faith in me and put me on the bench. I knew I wasn’t going to start as I’ve not been training for three weeks. Just to get on was unbelievable and I’m just so proud to have the fourth medal in my pocket.”

Cole paid tribute to his understudy, Wayne Bridge, but hopes to return fitter and stronger next season after surgery tomorrow. “I’m not going to stand here and say I’m the best,” he said. “I’ve been nowhere near what I can be, but hopefully if I get over this injury I’ll come back better. I see the specialist on Tuesday and we’ll just see how I go. It’s not major surgery and hopefully I’ll be OK for preseason.

“Wayne is not just a great player but a good friend to me and today proved just how good he is. I’ve got a big fight on my hands next season. If I get good rehab, hopefully I’ll come back better and sharper.”

yeah we are thanks cheers

Yeah thanks for that

Yep!! Cheers Arsenal.

Ashley cole is a fuicking good defender!
He has been Englands best defender by far in the past euro and world cups! he is always left to defend the left on his own as usually the left wingers are right footed and end up drifting inside which leaves him exposed!

Good on ya Ashley! arsenal fuked up loosing u!

Thats quite alright, you can have the money grabbing prick, his game won't improve while playing with you lot, all he does is HOOF! Your like the new Wimbledon, no style, no class!

your like the new charlton no trophy's no trophy's how about fucking gallas he'll fuck u off next year when u win fuck all AGAIN

I heard the same shit off Arsenal fans all year.

They just can't take the fact that they have lost that sparkle they once had.

arsenal fuked up loosing u!

Don't think we did mate, we've got a fucking good replacement in Gael Clichy. He's 4 years younger than Cole and already on his way to mkaing us forget we ever had the little c**t!

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

love it!

Ashley Cole is a legend!

Ashley Cole is a legend!

are you serious?!

Bridge has been better this season

They just can't take the fact that they have lost that sparkle they once had.

A sparkle you'll never have, no matter how much money you throw at it!

0 Millions in transfer budget this year. We'll see when we win bacvk our trophy next season yeah?!?!

your like the new charlton no trophy's no trophy's

Yeah thats right, no trophies for 2 seasons, hardly time to shit ourselves is it? You went through a period longer than that mate! The only reason your winning now is cos of the half a billion quid you spent, if you hadn't of been bought out you'd still be just a small team in Fulham.

Signing 2 frees as we speak

Signing 2 frees as we speak

Steve Sidwell? Another Arsenal reject.

i prefer bridge. not bothered about ashley cole-your issue with him is between u lot and him, nothing to do with chelsea in my opinion. at the same time though i couldnt careless about gallas, if a player wants to go then let them go and good riddens.

Steve Sidwell? Another Arsenal reject.

another young englishman who arsenal dont want. theres a surprise!

another young englishman

who never made the grade