Jose Mourinho confirms he wants world-class star at Chelsea

Mourinho last night hinted for the first time he fears Ashley Cole may leave.

While Cole is out of contract in June, Mourinho has always been insisted that the left-back, like John Terry and Frank Lampard, will be offered new deals.

But with Thierry Henry having suggested Cole should follow him to New York Red Bulls in the MLS, Mourinho’s reply when asked if the defender was happy to stay at Chelsea suggested potential movement.

“That’s another story – that I cannot control,”said Mourinho. “I like the player, I trust the player, I want him to stay. The club is happy with that, so we don’t have a problem.

“But that’s another part of the story that doesn’t depend on us.

“He is out of the team because Cesar Azpilicueta is playing fantastically, not because Ashley is playing poorly. He has played well when he came in, but in my opinion, Azpilicueta is playing fantastically.

“You have to ask Thierry Henry about what he said. Maybe Thierry is doing the same with Red Bulls that David Beckham is doing in Miami and buying that club.

“So, yes, Ashley has got a future at Chelsea. But maybe Thierry has a better proposal.”
Mourinho, meanwhile, revealed he had stayed in touch with Pardew throughout his spell away from English football with Inter and Real Madrid.” (Daily Mirror)