Cole ready for 'war'

Blues winger eyes victory over former team-mates

Last updated: 19th May 2008

Blues goalscorer Joe Cole

Cole: Ready for Moscow

The United lads know I love them - but Wednesday night will be a war!

Joe Cole
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Chelsea's Joe Cole is ready to put old friendships aside as he goes head-to-head with two of his former team-mates on Wednesday.

The Blues lock horns with Manchester United at Luzhniki Stadium - live on Sky Sports 1 - as the duo battle it out for the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Cole, who moved to Chelsea from West Ham in 2003, is set to come up against Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick, both of whom he played alongside during his time at Upton Park.

And ahead of the clash, the winger has reserved praise for Carrick, who he believes has been an unsung hero for the Premier League champions this season.

"Michael and I have had some ups and downs playing together," he told The Sun. "But we've come a long way since that season (relegation in 2003) at West Ham.

Fantastic

"Michael's been fantastic this season and, for me, he's been one of Man United's best players. Apart from [Cristiano] Ronaldo, he's been their player of the year.

"I speak to a lot of people up there and he probably doesn't get the credit he deserves. The United lads know I love them - but Wednesday night will be a war!

"But whoever wins, wins and it's difficult because you can't have banter about it because we meet up with England two days later and you have to be dignified in defeat.

"You can't go running round with a Champions League winner's medal round your neck at the England team hotel, either. We've had a little word about it and promised we wouldn't."