Cole: Year before I'm back to my best

Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole insists it will take at least a season before he is back to his best.

Cole's move to Chelsea had been shrouded in controversy ever since he was punished for the infamous 'tapping-up' scandal along with boss Jose Mourinho. The affair left Cole feeling drained of confidence and the uncertainty of his switch across London left the England full-back without his normal self-belief.

The former Arsenal star now admits it will take a season for him to get back to his very best, saying: "Every game is a big game for me now, I have to prove myself and try and play well. I've come to a new club and I've had to start again and get my confidence back. I think I will take a season for that to happen."

He added: "It was hard for me to come into the system but I feel I'm getting more into it now. Hopefully I can get back to my best and how I was playing before.

"Hopefully after next season I will know how the lads play even more and I will get used to it.

"After the move I lost a lot of confidence and belief in myself. But I am getting that back now with the players and manager around me.

"It is hard for you to get motivated and be back to yourself when you read things you don't agree with or are nasty about you, then it hurts. It did affect me but I am feeling at home now.

"I didn't think I would adapt or be brought in as a member of the family so early but I do feel comfortable now and part of the team."