Cole turned down Madrid for Blues
Real Madrid attempted to sign Ashley Cole before he moved to Chelsea
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Thursday, 07, Sep 2006 11:00
Ashley Cole completed his transfer-deadline move to Chelsea after turning down a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid earlier in the summer.
In an interview with Chelsea TV he revealed that the Bernabeu club were in competition with Jose Mourinho for his signature.
"Before the World Cup I spoke to [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger and he asked me where I wanted to go and I said I preferred to concentrate on the World Cup," the England left-back said.
"He said there were a few clubs (interested) Chelsea, Madrid and I am glad to be here now. "
Cole secured his switch to Stamford Bridge in the dying hours of the transfer window as Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon thrashed out a deal that saw William Gallas and £5 million go to Arsenal.
Wayne Bridge's fine early-season form at left-back has ensured that Cole will have to fight for his place in the Blues first team.
"I've got a fight on my hands with Wayne Bridge but hopefully I can play alongside John Terry like we do at England," he said.
"I didn't come here and expect to play, it will definitely be a fight," he admitted.