Ashley Cole denies reports of rift with Jose Mourinho

Roma defender Ashley Cole has denied reports that he has fallen out with his former manager Jose Mourinho.

The ex-England international, who made just 15 Premier League starts last season, dispelled suggestions of a rift between himself and the Portuguese, insisting that he only decided to join the Serie A side after speaking with new boss Rudi Garcia.

"First of all, me and Jose still had a good relationship. I was just getting a bit old for what he liked. As soon as I spoke to Rudi Garcia and I saw how much they wanted me here at Roma, I jumped at the chance," Cole told talkSPORT.

Cole will become only the third Englishman to ply his trade in the Italian top flight when he makes his debut for Roma.