Ashley Cole admits he is still laughing over controversial Arsenal exit

The left back turned down the Gunners' offer of £55,000-a-week to double his money at Chelsea

Cole blames a lot of people for his exit (Getty)

Ashley Cole has revealed he is still laughing at Arsenal as their struggles continue after his controversial 2006 switch the Chelsea.

Cole, who is now in the United States with LA Galaxy, left on a free after turning down a £55,000-a-week offer from the Gunners to nearly double his money at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners signed William Gallas as a replacement and failed to win another trophy until 2014, while Cole won the Premier League, four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League, among others, with the Blues.

And speaking on ITV’s Play To The Whistle, the 36-year-old revealed there has never been a time he has regretted leaving Arsene Wenger’s side.

“No. I had a great time there, I missed the old players that were there but I moved on and won every trophy I could.

“I wouldn't look back and say I regretted it, no.

“I still think to this day. I laugh to myself. I had a lot of history there and I think the way I left was maybe a bit dodgy but the lack of respect they showed me as well.”

Cole also revealed there are a lot of people who he could blame for his departure from north London in favour of west London – including himself.

“No, I think I have to blame myself as well,” he added. “Maybe I did things in the wrong way. But when I look back at it now I think there were a lot of parties I could blame.

“But it's gone now and it's ten years down the line.”