Garcia commends rookie Cole on successful first appearance

Veteran Defender Ashley Cole Impresses on Roma Debut

Football legend Ashley Cole has made a successful start to his new chapter at AS Roma, impressing coach Rudi Garcia during his debut in a pre-season friendly against the Indonesian Under-23 team. The match, which took place at Roma's base in Trigoria, ended in a 3-1 victory for the Italian side.

Cole, who turned 33 this year, signed a two-season contract with Roma on July 7, 2023, joining as a free agent from Chelsea. The experienced defender, who spent eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, showcased his class and composure in his first outing for the Giallorossi.

The friendly match was divided into three 30-minute segments, with three different line-ups featuring throughout. Despite the rotating squads, Cole stood out, catching the eye of coach Garcia with his attitude and performance. Garcia praised the former England international, stating that Cole had settled in well and was a valuable addition to the team.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cole has won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and FA Cup on four occasions with Chelsea. His wealth of experience and winning mentality are expected to bolster Roma's defence ahead of the new season.

Unfortunately, no further details about the performance of Salih Ucan, who also made his debut for Roma in the same match, were provided. Regardless, the signing of Cole is undoubtedly a significant boost for the Italian club as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

As Cole continues to adapt to his new surroundings, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how he fares in the Serie A. With his vast experience and undeniable talent, there's no doubt that the veteran defender will play a crucial role in Roma's quest for success in the 2023-2024 season.