We want Cole to stay - Arsenal chief
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein tonight claimed the club would be trying to persuade Ashley Cole to extend his contract following the ‘Colegate’ verdict.
Chelsea have been fined £300,000 and hit with a suspended three-point deduction by the Premier League after being found guilty of making an illegal approach to Cole – the points penalty will only be imposed if Chelsea commit a similar offence during the 2005-06 season.
Cole was fined £100,000 for his compliance, despite the Premier League declaring he had been “manipulated to a large extent by his agent”, and Jose Mourinho was ordered to pay £200,000 as punishment for their roles in the saga.
Dein, who described the whole episode as “an unpleasant experience” added: “We hope Ashley does not leave. We do not want him to leave and we will be trying to extend his contract.
“We did not want to see him punished and I certainly did not testify against him.
“We all make mistakes but we move on. We want Ashley to be part of our future.”
Dein is hoping Cole will not pursue his appeal against the punishment.
He told Sky Sports News and BBC News 24: “It is Ashley’s decision [to appeal] but I hope they will rethink that strategy.
“The rules have been there for many years. A similar rule exists throughout Europe and it is important that everyone respects it.
“I certainly do think Ashley will remain an Arsenal player.”
On the punishment against Chelsea Dein said: “Three points suspended is not inconsiderable and it will be a deterrent.
“The rules are there to be respected. If clubs do not like rules take them out and let’s have a free-for-all.
“People learn from their mistakes. We are going to close the book now. We do not want any hostility.”
