Cole reunites with Lampard for Derby promotion push

DERBY, England (AP) - Ashley Cole is back in English football after reuniting with former England and Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard at Derby.

The 38-year-old Cole will be playing under Lampard, who is in his first season as a manager trying to get Derby promoted to the Premier League.

"This is probably the last interview where I call him Frank," Cole said. "I respect him so much, when I played with him and what he's done in the little time he's been here.

"He's my boss now, it's not as though I've come here to take shortcuts or expect anything more because he's my friend."

Cole, who played 107 times for England and also for Arsenal, was a free agent after leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Derby is sixth in the second-tier League Championship.

"I had a conversation with Frank maybe a month, two months ago," Cole said. "I've kept in touch with Lamps, and have followed how the team has been doing since Lamps got here. So for me it was no-brainer to come here, get involved in this great environment, and hopefully push for promotion. For sure I'm again coming out of my comfort zone.

"I could have stayed in the MLS and relaxed, but I've come here and I want to fight for something, a good cause and try to make promotion."

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