I almost left – Cole

(25-10-2010) Ashley Cole has revealed how he almost left Chelsea in the summer following his high-profile divorce from pop star Cheryl. The 29-year-old defender was widely tipped to join Real Madrid, where he would have been reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. "It was hard for me in my head. It wasn't just about the football, it was more my brain and it was getting too much for me,” the left-back told the Daily Star Sunday. "There were times when it was really hard. I did think about leaving but, of course, when I spoke to Carlo Ancelotti he made it clear he wanted me to stay and loved having me around.” Added the England international: "The players didn't want me to go. I'm glad I stayed. A lot of people were saying, 'You can't leave'.”