Benitez confirms new contract for Cole

Soccer January 20, 2013

Photo: AP Chelsea's Ashley Cole warms up in the snow before the start of their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal, at Stamford Bridge, London, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013.

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LONDON (AP) — Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed Ashley Cole has reached an agreement with the club over a new contract, but sidestepped any talk about the future of Frank Lampard.

The 32-year-old Cole, one of the world's top left backs, is expected to sign his deal Monday and Benitez says "I am really pleased — the paperwork has to be done but the agreement is there." Lampard appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, however, with the club yet to offer him a new contract.

Speaking after Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which Lampard scored a penalty, Benitez said the 34-year-old midfielder is "doing a great job ... he is playing well" but stressed "it is not my decision" to extend his stay at the club.

Subjects
- Sports,
- Soccer,
- Professional soccer,
- Men's soccer
Locations
- Western Europe,
- Europe,
- United Kingdom
Organisations
- Chelsea FC

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