Cole spurned Nigeria
Tuesday 5 November 2019 13:51, UK
England Under-21 ace Carlton Cole has revealed he snubbed a call from Nigeria.
England Under-21 international Carlton Cole has revealed he snubbed a call to represent Nigeria.
Cole has been in sparkling form for Peter Taylor's side this season, netting three times in two appearances.
He will again lead the line for Tuesday's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Poland in Rybnik.
But the Chelsea marksman, who is spending the season on loan at Aston Villa, admits his international allegiances could have been different.
Nigeria wanted him in their squad last term but Cole opted to spurn the chance to play with his hero - Kanu - as he only had designs on representing England, after also taking advice from Chelsea.
"I was called up by Nigeria last season but Chelsea told me that it was in my best interests not to go," said Cole.
"I could have been playing alongside Kanu. I look up to him as one of the best players in the world.
"My father is Nigerian and my mother comes from Sierra Leone but I've never been a follower of Nigeria and my interest in African football is only occasional.
"I was born in England and consider that to be my country so I want to play for them."
