Football Friends Online – When 90 Mins Is Not EnoughAn Englishman abroad...really? - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough An Englishman abroad...really? - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough

An Englishman abroad…really?

As you probably witnessed last night, AC Milan are in dire need of a left-back.

With their tradition of having great defences, the Italian club have found it increasingly difficult to replace Paolo Maldini since he retired in 2009.

Djamel Mesbah was bought by the club in January, but if his performance last night was anything to go by, he is not a long-term replacement for the legendary Rossenari leader.

Step forward Ashley Cole, the England international appears to be top of the Serie A club’s wish-list, as they look to complete the already assured back-line of Abate, Silva, Mexes and Nesta.

The experienced and often controversial left-back may not be the most popular on the terraces of English football stadiums, but he is no doubt a model of consistency.

With Chelsea going through a re-generation process and coupled with the emergence of Ryan Betrand, the left-back’s days in West London appear to be numbered.

Granted, it may be a rarity for English players to ply their trade abroad, but as Joe Cole and Steve McManaman have proven in the past, it can be highly beneficial to their careers.

Not only this, a spell in Milan could also be favourable for the England number 3’s footballing life, with the Rossenari’s well respected medical departmenet having a repuation to prolong veteran’s spells on the pitch. Seedorf, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso being recent beneficiaries of this.

A move to Latin land could be the best thing the 31 year old has ever done.

Paul Hill @paulhill3

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