London: Manchester City goalkeeper and England teammate Joe Hart has said the people would love Ashley Cole if they knew the ‘real’ star.
Cole’s reputation has suffered following his Twitter outburst against the Football Association.
The Chelsea defender has been forced to make an apology to FA bosses after branding them a ‘bunch of tw**s’ in a furious tweet last week.
Cole, who has won 98 caps, will not be suspended for tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley, The Daily Star reports.
But he will not be made captain to honour his 100th appearance if it happens in Poland next week.
Three Lions goalkeeper Hart said: “He is a great person, great personality and experienced person. He was very welcoming, especially to myself (when Hart first joined the squad). I’ve noticed that with the young lads.”
“That’s the beauty of him. If you don’t know him, you won’t know him. When you do, you’ll find he’s a really welcoming person. He’s had his issues and he doesn’t speak out especially, but to meet him personally he’s a great person to know and someone I really admire as a footballer.”
“He offers so much. I can’t even think of a time that’s ever been highlighted where a winger or a forward has given Ashley a hard time. You just accept that side of the field is sorted, you don’t ever need to worry.”
Hart admits he would love to captain England against San Marino in the absence of the suspended Steven Gerrard.
ANI
First Published: Thursday, October 11, 2012, 14:10