Chelsea hero Joe Cole admits he had no idea he is a past Ballon d'Or nominee.

After being told of his 2006 nomination, Cole admitted that was the first he had even heard of it.

After starring at the 2006 World Cup with England and winning a second successive Premier League title at Stamford Bridge aged 24, he was chosen alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and eventual winner Fabio Cannavaro.

Yet Cole told The Sun: “To be honest, I didn't even know I was nominated. I'll tell my kids – that will be a good one.

“At the time, for me, all these things that are perceived as big things, when you're in it with a ball, it is only about the next game and winning the next game."

Cole believes Chelsea have the talent and resilience to still be fighting on THREE fronts come March – including another attempt in Europe.

He added: “All of those young Chelsea players have got their heads screwed on, as players and as people so I don't think it will make any difference to Mason. That's nice. Crack on.

“But without doubt he deserves that nomination. He was outstanding last year. He is Mr Reliable, and he doesn't get enough credit for his maturity on the pitch.

“And then he goes and creates a goal in the Champions League final."