Some months ago, former Arsenal and Chelsea star Ashley Cole announced his retirement from playing football. We compare the 38-year-olds with three other players to have graced the position.
Leighton Baines
Apps: 412. Goals: 32. Assists: 53. Clean sheets: 113.
Baines' 340 top-flight appearances for Everton are just 12 short of Tim Howard's club record. His 53 assists are the most among those who have only played in defence, while his 32 goals are third among defenders.
Ashley Cole
Apps: 385. Goals: 15. Assists: 31. Clean sheets: 147. Titles: 3.
Cole was a part of Arsenal's 2001/02 and 2003/04 title-winning teams before moving to Chelsea in 2006, where he won the league in 2009/10. He also triumphed in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final and won four FA Cups to add to the three he lifted with Arsenal.