After moving to AS Roma in the summer of 2014, new LA Galaxy left back Ashley Cole made headlines with an offhand remark about how he was heading to Italy rather than MLS because he didn't want to "relax on a beach." 

Cole is questioned about the comment

Cole was recently made available to the media, and immediately found himself subjected to a line of questioning about the rather infamous comment. Cole claimed that the comment was taken out of context.

When asked, he said, "Of course, I knew I was going to get this question. I'm not going to come in and try to defend myself. ... I've said it. Yes, it's come out of my mouth, but, for sure, it's taken out of [context]."

He expanded, and went on to justify the remark. "You have to understand, I was with a new team, I have to kind of tell the fans at Roma I was there to fight, there to win things and play the Champions League in Europe," Cole said. "But, of course, I hold my hand up, it was said, but, for sure, it's taken out of [context]. But I have to deal with it, and I hope I can kind of change the views of me coming here, playing on the pitch and playing as good as I can."

Cole says he's in MLS now to win

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left back went on to promise that he is in MLS now to do more than just spend time on a beach. In fact, he hopes to have joined the five-time MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy to win something. Additionally, he claims to now have a greater appreciation for the league.

"Of course, you see people like [New York City FC midfielder Frank] Lampard and, of course, Stevie G, Keano, and, of course, I spoke to them on many occasions how difficult it is," said the most-capped England left back in history.

"I spoke to [Galaxy coach Bruce Arena about] how difficult it is with the traveling and the demands of the game over here. I'm not fooled. I know it's going to be hard work for me, for sure, but I say I'm happy to be here, I'm going to try to work as hard as I can, change a few views on me on me being here, and we'll see. And, of course, I'm a winner. I always want to win. I didn't come here to sit on the beach, to rest. I'm here to play football. I'm here to work hard. I'm not a diva. I'm not this kind of egotistical guy that comes and thinks he's bigger than anyone. I come here, and I will work as hard as I can," said Cole.

Cole will likely get his first chance to make an impression later this month, when the Galaxy take on Santos Laguna in CONCACAF Champions League action. There are 18 days until the first leg of their quarterfinal, and a month until LA begins their MLS campaign against DC United.