Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is confident of Ashley Cole signing a new deal before January
Monday 24 September 2012 11:49, UK
Image:Ashley Cole: Likely to extend Chelsea stay, according to Di Matteo
Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is 'very optimistic' of Ashley Cole signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window opens.
Professional
Hailing Cole as an ideal example for Chelsea's new players to follow, he added: "He's a fantastic pro, which I'm not sure whether you know.
"Somebody that's the first one out in training, one of the first into the building with JT [John Terry], trains every day like a professional, reliable, somebody that you could go to war with.
"And he's a very quiet guy as well. He's very private at his own stuff.
"He's one of the best left-backs in the world."
It is said that Cole suffers from a persistent ankle problem that can limit his ability to train but Di Matteo said: "He's physically very good, very strong, has the ability to recover very quickly from game to game. Offers us a lot on that left hand side."
Cole does not offer many goals but asked whether he would urge him to get forward more often, Di Matteo said: "He'll have to buy me dinner. That's what I'm going to ask him.
"For two years, he hasn't scored and now he has, so he should buy me dinner."
