Cole has been a regular in Jose Mourinho's side this season, something he never experienced under Claudio Ranieri, despite making 50 appearances last season!

Cole said of the Champions League: "It's everything I've dreamed of and is really what I play football for. Hopefully Chelsea will be in it year after year and I am here for the rest of my career.

"If I look back on last season it was a learning curve for me but at the time it was frustrating that I didn't play more.

"All footballers want to play but I think I came out of it a better person and a better player.

"I am reaping the benefits of it this season. With a new boss there is a clean slate and we're all on the same level."