ASHLEY COLE HAS HIT back at Arsenal fans by saying that collecting his fourth FA Cup winner’s medal should finally silence them.

The England defender lifted the trophy three times with his former club, but claimed that winning it with Chelsea meant more to him because of the criticism he has received after his controversial move across London last summer.

Cole only appeared for the last 12 minutes of extra time, but was delighted to come on after struggling with an ankle injury. “It feels extra special as I’ve had a lot of flak and hopefully it will shut people up,” he said. “I only played for ten minutes but celebrated like I played the whole game. It’s my fourth one now, which is up there with people like Ryan Giggs, which is unbelievable. It means a little bit more to me personally and I’m very happy.

“There’s no need to say anything more and I’m just proud and happy to be here. Four days ago I couldn’t even walk. I’ve been struggling as I’ve got an operation on Tuesday, but the manager’s kept faith in me and put me on the bench. I knew I wasn’t going to start as I’ve not been training for three weeks. Just to get on was unbelievable and I’m just so proud to have the fourth medal in my pocket.”

Cole paid tribute to his understudy, Wayne Bridge, but hopes to return fitter and stronger next season after surgery tomorrow. “I’m not going to stand here and say I’m the best,” he said. “I’ve been nowhere near what I can be, but hopefully if I get over this injury I’ll come back better. I see the specialist on Tuesday and we’ll just see how I go. It’s not major surgery and hopefully I’ll be OK for preseason.

“Wayne is not just a great player but a good friend to me and today proved just how good he is. I’ve got a big fight on my hands next season. If I get good rehab, hopefully I’ll come back better and sharper.”

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