Ashley Cole joins LA Galaxy on free transfer

The LA Galaxy announced Wednesday that the club has signed iconic English defender Ashley Cole.

"Ashley is one of the world's most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career," Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. "He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season."

(Courtesy: @LA Galaxy)

As per league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Cole joins the club as a free agent having had his contract terminated with Roma a few weeks prior.

Related: Twitter reacts to Ashley Cole joining LA Galaxy

Cole was an integral member of two top Premier League teams, starting at left full-back with both Arsenal and Chelsea from 1998 to 2014. He departed from Stamford Bridge and joined Roma in 2014, but quickly fell out of favor in the Italian capital.

Cole was also an important part of the England national team, having made over 100 appearances with his country. He joins fellow England international Steven Gerrard at the LA Galaxy.

The move came as a bit of a surprise when whispers of a potential transfer first began nearly two years ago; back then, Cole stunned supporters in North America with his comments that he was not yet ready to "relax on a beach" just yet.

At 35 years old, Cole is at the tail end of his career. He is the latest England international to call MLS home after David Beckham, Gerrard, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Frank Lampard all made the switch. Cole will also have the chance to compete against his fellow Chelsea teammates Lampard and Didier Drogba this season.