Chelsea Defender Ashley Cole Breaks Down In Tears

Ashley Cole broke down in tears as he, Frank Lampard and John Terry saluted the arena during the Chelsea players' end-of-season lap of appreciation, and José Mourinho confirmed the club intend to take stock over the next few weeks before determining whether the experienced trio are to prolong their careers at Stamford Bridge.

While Terry and Lampard are expected to stay, albeit on reduced terms, Cole's future appears less certain, with the 33-year-old having started only 14 Premier League games this season after losing his place to César Azpilicueta. There is interest, too, in signing the Atlético Madrid full-back Filipe Luis.

Cole started the goalless draw against Norwich City, a result that effectively wrecked Chelsea's lingering hopes of regaining the title while also seriously damaging the visitors' chances of remaining in the division. Afterwards the left-back, Lampard and Terry peeled away from the squad to applaud the home support in the Matthew Harding stand, with their emotion clear. "Again, they are with the club on their future," said Mourinho, who has stated the case for the three to be retained. "I think they will play here [for Chelsea] again. I think so.