Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has admitted that he misses playing against former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo. The 24 year old Portuguese winger expressed his desire to leave United again this summer and talks were then permitted with Spanish club Real Madrid. The Old Trafford club accepted a world record fee of £80million for Ronaldo who Cole claims is the best player in the world.

Cole, 28, was renowned for his many scuffles with former Man United star both in matches for Chelsea and England. Speaking to a tabloid newspaper he said,

“I miss playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, I really do. Manchester United doesn’t seem the same without him. I used to love our battles. If I’m concentrating, on my day I can do well against anyone, but he was something else.” Cole went on to say,

"I love his skills, but I nearly ripped my groin when I was first playing against him because he did a trick and I did the splits. My mates were killing me after and I thought, ‘Right, he’s never embarrassing me again’. A couple of years later at Chelsea I showed him the imaginary pocket in my shorts and their fans were lapping up the banter."

But the two players could possibly clash again playing for their respective countries after both countries qualified for the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa. Although England had no problem qualifying, Portugal on the other hand got off to a shaky start. Fortunately, their 4-0 victory over Malta sealed them a place in the play offs for the 2010 World Cup finals.

If he is not hitting the headlines for his affairs, Arsenal defender Ashley Cole is sure to be selling tabloids for something else of a sexual nature. This time round the footballer is lashing out over claims about his sexuality.

It appears that stories were published by News Group Newspapers insinuating that Cole was gay or at the very least bisexual. Although his name was not specifically mentioned there were photos published, however these were pixellated to conceal any identity.

Cole is said to be suing on the grounds of harassment, breach of privacy and libel. Although the footballer has not been named in the many articles published about his sexuality he is making it clear that they have been a breach of his privacy or false privacy. It has also been maintained that Cole is not particularly suing as a result of the original content of the said articles, but as a result of the many internet sites that are now pursuing speculation as to whether or not it is actually him in the photos. Since the initial publication of the scandalous photos showing two men, a music DJ and the alleged Mr Cole, several attempts have been made to trace the originals.

Regardless of whether or not the rumours of Ashley Coles bisexuality are true or not and even if he refuses to admit the truth, the soccer star is perfectly within his rights to protect and maintain his privacy. That is of course providing there is reasonable expectation that the private information can be protected. In this case the source of the original photos.