Ashley Cole joins Roma

Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has signed for Serie A side Roma on a free transfer.

The veteran defender left the Blues in the summer after his contract with the club came to an end, and reports had claimed that the former England international was in talks with a host of top clubs in Europe.

It has now been confirmed that the 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, and he will be officially presented by the Capital club at a press conference later this week.

Cole made 580 appearances for Chelsea since his switch from Arsenal in the summer of 2006.