Roma coach Rudi Garcia cools Ashley Cole exit talk

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has insisted that Ashley Cole remains an important player at the club despite the defender's struggles for first-team action.

The former England full-back last featured for the Giallorossi on November 22, leading to doubts over his future at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, Garcia has played down speculation by claiming that 33-year-old is still an integral part of his plans in Rome.

"Ashley is doing fine, he's a professional," the Frenchman is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He remains an important player for us."

Cole joined Roma in the summer on a free transfer following an eight-year spell at Chelsea.