English left full-back Ashley Cole has finally completed a move to the LA Galaxy after a controversial two-year courting period and fans of the league were quick to jump onto social media and share in the irony of the moment.
See, back in 2014, Cole mocked MLS amid reports of a potential move, saying he was not ready to "relax on a beach." That comment drew the ire of the MLS faithful back then.
Here's how Twitter reacted when Cole decided to finally lay down his towel on the Los Angeles coastline:
"I had offers from the USA but I'm not ready to relax on a beach yet," - Ashley Cole in 2014.
We call that the "Rafa Marquez" approach.
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) January 27, 2016
Can confirm, per club source, Ashley Cole is planning to use SPF 50 during his beach vacation in LA.
— Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) January 27, 2016
Ashley Cole on a beach pic.twitter.com/3ll7PbZmLy
— Bob Williams (@WilliamsBob75) January 27, 2016
Some poked fun at his lack of playing time in Roma:
Ashley Cole joins LA Galaxy pic.twitter.com/kA8o5DlVeM
— UpTheStakes (@UpTheStakes) January 27, 2016
Most recently, Ashley Cole "played" for Roma, excelling in such areas as looking surly on the bench and clapping. https://t.co/CubEnNZowj
— Maxi Rodriguez (@FutbolIntellect) January 27, 2016
The highlight of Ashley Cole's time at Roma? Probably this awkward handshake. pic.twitter.com/2J8JUZnpqJ
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 27, 2016
While others thought Cole too old, or others worthy of a spot ahead of him:
Great retirement move for Ashley Cole
— . (@gergmitch) January 27, 2016
Congrats to Ashley Cole on his retirement! Fantastic career.
— Jordan Beck (@JordanBeck_6) January 27, 2016
Pissed the galaxy signed Ashley Cole....RIP to Robbie Rogers' starting spot
— Michael (@MichaelWhiteBoy) January 27, 2016
OK, so far #soccertwitter consensus is Waylon Francis, Run DMB, Kemar Lawrence and Justin Morrow are considered "better" than Ashley Cole.
— Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) January 27, 2016
Not everyone was down on Cole, though:
Hey, @LAGalaxy fans. Just because you dislike Ashley Cole doesn't mean he can't help. More competent bodies will mean improved defense.
— Brad Haag (@bradley_haag) January 27, 2016
If Ashley Cole is fit and motivated he is certainly an upgrade at left-back for the LA Galaxy.
— Simon Evans (@sgevans) January 27, 2016
Wishing England's most-capped left-back, @TheRealAC3, all the best for his move to @LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/G0o80uahKW
— England (@england) January 27, 2016