Chelsea matchwinner Ashley Cole has told Roman Abramovich he has plenty of years left in his 31 year-old legs.

Chelsea owner Abramovich has been reluctant to sanction long-term deals for thirtysomethings of late but could well be set to make an exception for 31-year-old Cole, who he may otherwise risk losing for nothing next summer.

It is said Cole is carrying a persistent ankle problem that can limit his ability to train and the England star joked after Saturday's 1-0 win that "my legs can't keep getting me up and down the pitch".

But he added on Chelsea TV: "I feel as fit as I've ever been."