Ashley Cole has opened up on his departure from Arsenal in 2006 - and revealed he still laughs at his former club.

The left-back departed Highbury for Stamford Bridge in a controversial exit which went down incredibly badly with the Gunners faithful.

And the 36-year-old has lifted the lid on his London club swap on ITV show Play to the Whistle.

The show, which aired at 9pm on Tuesday night, saw Cole tell presenter Holly Willoughby: "Regret leaving Arsenal? No. I had a great time there.

"I missed the old players that were there but I moved on and won every trophy I could.

"I wouldn't look back and say I regretted it, no."

Ashley Cole. Needs no introduction, it has to be said this is a somewhat optimistic inclusion.
Ashley Cole.

Chelsea signed the then-25-year-old for £5million with William Gallas going in the opposite direction.

The country's best left-back turned down an initial £55,000-a-week offer from Arsene Wenger and co to go on and accept a £90,000-a-week offer from Roman Abramovich's people.

The show also starred comedian and Arsenal fan Romesh Ranganathan, who wanted to get answers of his own.

The panelist asked if when things didn't go right for Arsenal after he left, did he laugh at the Gunners.

Cheslea's Ashley Cole in action against former club Arsenal in December 2006
Chelsea's Ashley Cole in action against former club Arsenal in December 2006

Cole responded: "If I'm honest, yeah - I still think to this day.

"I laugh to myself.

"I had a lot of history there and I think the way I left was maybe a bit dodgy but the lack of respect they showed me as well."

Roma left-back Ashley Cole
Roma left-back Ashley Cole

Holly then asked the ex-England international if he blamed anyone in particular for his move.

Cole said: "No, I think I have to blame myself as well.

"Maybe I done things in the wrong way.

"But when I look back at it now I think there were a lot of parties I could blame.

"But it's gone now and it's ten years down the line."