Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has become the latest member of the Premier League Hall of Fame, the league announced in a statement on Monday.

“A generational defender revered for his consistent excellence. Ashley Cole is the first inductee of the 2024 #PLHallOfFame,” the statement read.

He becomes the first inductee for 2024.

During his 15-season career playing for Chelsea and Arsenal, the left-back made 385 league appearances, contributing to 147 clean sheets, scoring 15 goals and making 31 assists.

He won three Premier League titles, including being part of the Arsenal’s record-breaking ‘Invincible’ team that clinched the 2003/04 league title without losing a game. 

Cole’s defensive ability and his attacking prowess during transition made him one of the left-backs that has ever played in the English top flight.

“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame,” Cole said in reaction to his induction. “It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.”

“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day by day and game by game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this, and you just do it for the love of the game of football.

“I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club, Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me.

“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. 

“To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company,” the 43-year-old toldpremierleague.com.