Ashley Cole speaks on his LA Galaxy future
11 Jan 2018
Former England international Ashley Cole has suggested that he may have to reconsider his intention of extending his contract with LA Galaxy. The 36-year-old endured the worst campaign of his professional career after Galaxy finished rock bottom of the Western Conference.
Cole had earlier suggested that he hopes to remain in Los Angeles for at least one more season, but he has now insisted that things must change at StubHub Center before he signs on for a third year with the California-based club.
He said, "I just need a little break for my head. I’ve not been used to do this and the season has been hard mentally. I’ll forget about this season and have a think about things. I know I can keep going, but to a team that keeps losing every week, I can’t do that. Mentally, I’m drained."
Meanwhile, Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid praised the showing of Cole during a dismal 2016 season, and he is optimistic that the club can retain the Englishman for another campaign, he said, "All those decisions will be made, but we don't want to tip our hand. Ashley has had a good season. I like the energy that he brings so hopefully, we'll be able to come to some type of resolution."
The Galaxy were capable of attracting high-profile players in the past, most notably David Beckham, but they have lost their sheen in recent years with the Chinese Super League paying up bumper wages to attract players to the Far East.
Carlos Tevez is an example of a player, who could have done wonders in the Galaxy attack, but the Argentine is busy racking up his salary in China, where he is one of the highest-paid players in world football. The former Juventus man has not quite made a name for himself in Asia, but he is still content with the salary package which clubs in MLS would find impossible to match.