Ashley Cole makes Arsenal WhatsApp revelation 20 years after Chelsea betrayal

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Ashley Cole has revealed he keeps in touch with his Arsenal Invincibles colleagues via a WhatsApp group despite his infamous move to Chelsea in 2006. The legendary left-back made this admission shortly after securing his first managerial position.

Cole, 45, was recently named as the manager of Italian second-tier outfit Cesena. Following his unveiling, he provided a glimpse into his footballing life, including those he maintains contact with.

Among them is former Arsenal boardroom figure David Dein , who made every effort to retain Cole at Highbury but was unsuccessful. Despite Cole's acrimonious departure, which saw him transfer to Stamford Bridge for £5m with William Gallas moving in the opposite direction, he continues to enjoy cordial relations with numerous former Arsenal teammates.

Speaking to the i Paper , Cole said: "We're all in a WhatsApp group with David Dein, Mr Wenger, all the players. I meet Thierry not a lot, but we're always talking about football.

"I've had my own life and our family so I don't get much time to interact with them but there were moments in my life when I needed them."

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Dein has frequently expressed his disappointment over Cole's exit two decades ago. At Highbury, Cole secured two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, before subsequently winning another Premier League crown, the Champions League , the Europa League and four additional FA Cups with the Blues.

Cole became an equally vital component of the west London outfit, helping forge a trophy-laden spine that also featured Petr Cech, John Terry , Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Yet when asked about the finest player he's ever shared a pitch with, Cole's thoughts turn immediately to Thierry Henry.

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He added: "Thierry Henry. I'm not saying it lightly. I came into an Arsenal team that was full of stars, but some of the stuff I saw on the training pitch with him was just incredible.

"Not just the amazing player he was, but as a great person – that counts for a lot. I've been lucky to play with Steven Gerrard , Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand , David Seaman.

"They did a lot for me. Tony Adams, Martin Keown also added to that character that I had from my upbringing – when I played for Arsenal I needed people like that to lead me."

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Cole is now preparing for one of the most demanding tests of his footballing career. Cesena currently sit 8th in Serie B and haven't tasted victory in seven matches, with their 2-0 triumph over Pescara in February marking the last occasion they claimed three points.

Cole has previously managed Chelsea's youth team and has also served as assistant manager to Lee Carsley with the England U21s and to Frank Lampard at Everton and the Blues.

Nevertheless, Cesena represents his first senior managerial appointment and given their recent struggles, he may need to make an instant impact.