Ashley Cole re-signs with LA Galaxy for 2018 season

CARSON, Calif. -- Defender Ashley Cole has agreed to return for another season with the LA Galaxy.

The MLS club announced a one-year contract with the former England international on Wednesday.

"We are very excited that Ashley will be returning for us in 2018. He's been a tremendous leader for our club," said LA Galaxy manager Sigi Schmid.

"He's shown he can be successful in this league and we're confident that will continue in the season ahead."

The 37-year-old Cole had one goal and two assists in 29 games as the Galaxy's left-back last year.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea stalwart has been with the Galaxy for the past two seasons, making 55 appearances as one of MLS' most effective left backs.

Cole has provided steadiness and leadership to the Galaxy despite their slump to the bottom of the MLS standings last season.

Cole fills the club's last available foreign-allocation roster spot. The Galaxy also signed Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a free transfer last month.