05.02.2016 23:59 h

Cole set for work not beach time in LA

England defender Ashley Cole, who once compared playing in Major League Soccer to "relaxing on a beach," said Friday he expects hard work this season after joining the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea back was introduced by the Galaxy, who seek their fourth MLS crown in six seasons starting next month, and he clarified his 2014 comments about life in MLS.

"I'm not going to defend myself because it was said," Cole said. "It was sure taken out of context because I was speaking to the reporter before and he told me that he was glad to have me at Roma because they didn't expect me to be here, they thought I was going to relax on the beach.

"In the interview, I said it and it came out of my mouth. Of course, you have to understand that I was with a new team and I had to tell the fans at Roma that I came to fight and was there to win things... I hope that I can change the views of me by being on the pitch and playing as well as I can."

Cole has already learned about the quality of MLS from former England teammates Frank Lampard of New York City and new Galaxy teammates Steven Gerrard, another English international, and Robbie Keane, the team captain from Ireland.

"I've spoken to them (about) how difficult it is," Cole said. "I'm not fooled because I know how hard it's going to be. I'm going to change a few views of me being here.

"I'm a winner. I didn't come to sit on a beach. I'm not here to rest. I'm here to play football and to work hard. I'm not a diva or this egotistical guy who thinks that he's better than anyone. I'm going to do everything that I can."

Cole played for England at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and was at Chelsea until a 2014 deal to Roma but he made only 11 Serie A appearances before his contract was terminated a year early by mutual agreement last month.