The former England manager Fabio Capello has said that he expects the Chelsea defender Ashley Cole to be named as the player of the year when the winner is announced later in the evening. Capello has backed the 32-year-old to win this award after an outstanding year, which has seen him lift the Champions League for the first time in his career. He has also become the first player to win more than seven FA Cup medals. He has won three FA Cup titles with Arsenal, while managing four with his current club Chelsea. Regarded to be one of the best left back in the world, Fabio Capello got the best out of him during his reign as the England manager.

Capello is currently with the Russian national team. Ashley Cole will be picking up his 100th cap in England take on Brazil in the friendly match. He will become only the second player to achieve this feat. Capello noted that Cole was given this award back in 2010 when he was the manager of the national team. Capello has praised the energy, strength, and great experience of Cole as one of the main reasons for trusting him in any situation. Capello has also praised the attitude of the player, who gives everything according to him.

“Ashley Cole for me would be the England Player of 2012. In my time as England Manager he won this same award for his performances in 2010, and he is always consistent in his output. He has fantastic energy, incredible experience and you can rely on him in any situation, he is world class. His attitude matches his ability, he gives everything for the team and he was a very important player during last year. Ashley is my choice,” said the Russian national team manager Capello.