Former Arsenal chief David Dein has apologised to Ashley Cole following his North London exit - 16 years after the controversial saga that saw him leave.
Cole came through the Gunners academy and was earmarked as a future captain, only to leave for rivals Chelsea following a contract dispute, amid legal proceedings following a tapping-up scandal. The England left-back was regarded as among the finest on the planet at his peak.
Jose Mourinho wanted him at Stamford Bridge and the Blues, along with Cole's agent, were fined for the actions they took to sign the player. The Englishman was also in the midst of contract talks at Highbury and took issue with the offer Arsenal put to him - something Dein regrets.