Ashley Cole is set to officially announce his retirement from international football after it became apparent that he would be left out of England's preliminary World Cup squad.
The 33-year old Chelsea left-back has been notified by manager Roy Hodgson that he will not be a part of the Three Lions setup for Brazil 2014 and took to Twitter to reveal that he will end his international career.
Cole has been left out for Everton's Leighton Baines and Southampton teenager Luke Shaw but did not begrudge the decision following a career which saw him notch up107 caps for his country.
I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now.
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
#Baines and #shaw are great players, proved this season, and are the future of this country, it was a pleasure to get #107 caps #eng #
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
Like me or not, trust me it's hurt me to stop playing for my country #proud and #honoured
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) May 11, 2014
