Cole opts for Roma switch

Rome, Italy (SportsNetwork.com) - Ashley Cole completed a move to Roma on Monday after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Italian side.

Cole passed a medical in Italy on Monday and agreed to personal terms to complete his move from Chelsea to Roma on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old was out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of June, while Cole's new deal runs through June 2016 with Roma having the option to extend the pact by a further year.

After joining Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006, Cole appeared in 338 games for the Blues, winning a Premier League title in 2010 and four FA Cups.

However, the England international fell down the pecking order at Chelsea this past season as he started only 15 Premier League games with Cesar Azpilicueta taking over as the first-choice left back.

Cole joins a Roma side that finished second in Serie A last term, securing a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence from Europe's premier club competition.

He also becomes the third player to arrive in Italian capital this summer, joining midfielder Seydou Keita and Turkey international Salih Ucan, who arrives at Roma on loan from Fenerbahce.