Ashley Cole ready to lead LA Galaxy by example after being given captaincy

Ashley Cole's Major League Soccer career took another positive step on Thursday evening as he was named captain of LA Galaxy for the upcoming 2018 campaign.

The 37-year-old was accused of being washed up after a disastrous stint at AS Roma, but he has fought back from the abyss of retirement to enjoy an Indian summer on the west coast of America.

And after agreeing to stay at LA Galaxy for a third season, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star has been given the armband and is now determined to end his career by bringing silverware to the club.

'When it comes to [the captaincy], I'm ready to take it and ready to lead this team to win,' Cole said. 'This year, I came back to try to make this team great once again. I want to win trophies.

'Personally, I'm not someone that rants and raves in the changing room to get them up for the game. I do it now, but I've always been the type of player that leads by example.

'Hopefully, that can be my role. When the guys need a kick up the ass, I'll be there to give it to them.

'We have a lot of leaders with a lot of MLS experience. I'll need those guys around me to help us come together as a group. Last year, we didn't have too many people that wanted to step up, but now we do.'

Cole, who agreed to stay for a third season with the club, has become a respected member of the team, according to head coach Sigi Schmid, who had little hesitance in handing him the armband after realising his desire to play still burned brightly.

'Ashley was an important guy for us to bring back this year because his spirit is infectious,' Schmid said. 'His willingness to communicate with guys in the locker room and what he brings shows that he loves to play the game.

'Last year, he was a little hesitant, but this year, it was something that he wanted the part. I always think it's best when players want it, but I can tell within the group how much respect he has.'

La Galaxy open their season with a home tie against Portland Timbers on Monday and will be looking for significant improvement after finishing rock bottom of the overall division.