By Chris Wright

It seems the recent local elections (hung parliaments, coalition governments etc…) must have hit Joe Cole harder than most, as the England winger is citing ‘politics’ as the reason behind his decision to walk out of Chelsea this summer.

“My season for Chelsea wasn’t great for what I believe were political reasons rather than footballing reasons.

I love Carlo Ancelotti and have big respect for him. My leaving is not financial and it is nothing to do with Carlo. I love him and think he is a top guy and a top manager. I’ve loved my time at Chelsea and I love the fans but it is a story for another day and I will tell it. But now is not the time.

Now I want to have a couple of weeks off, to sort my future out as soon as possible, to go on holiday with my family.

Next season I want to have a fantastic season for England and for whatever club I am at. Wherever I go, it’ll be a footballing decision. I want to play in a more central position and I want a manager who has faith in me.

It’s a big decision for me and my family but I’m open to anything at the moment. I have purposely not spoken to anyone while I’ve been here because that wouldn’t be fair on England. My phone has been turned off but now I want to sort it all out.”

Cole will become a free-agent in the new few days after deciding not to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge, with both Arsenal and Tottenham know to be sniffing around.

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