Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is ready for a tough preseason.

The England international says there can be no short cuts in building up fitness.

"Pre-season is always difficult," Cole told chelseafc.com. "I've spoken about it before, how hard it can be, when it's that bit hotter than at home.

"I've done a lot of pre-seasons now and they never get easier. Each year you forget what you put yourself through but you need to do it - there are no short cuts."