Di Matteo confirmed he had recommended to the Chelsea board that they keep Cole 'as long as they can' before waxing lyrical about the 31-year-old, who controversially joined the club from Arsenal six years ago.

'He has become a legend - he is now Chelsea through and through,' said Di Matteo.

'But I wouldn't say it's just happened recently. He's been here many years and has contributed a lot to this club.'

Hailing Cole as an ideal example for Chelsea's new players to follow, he added: 'He's a fantastic pro, which I'm not sure whether you know.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2207634/Roberto-Di-Matteo-confident-Ashley-Cole-sign-contract-extension.html#ixzz27lIsiPnt
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