Cole’s most fierce opponent was always himself issues, that demanding nature and will to win

BY his own admission, Andy Cole’s biggest opponent has always been himself.

A glittering spell at Manchester United saw him win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in the historic Treble-winning season.

And his place in Premier League history is assured, his 187 goals ranking him third on the all-time scoring list behind Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.

But Cole, 48, has never been satisfied, always demanding more of himself, a trait that currently serves as a key weapon in his battle against ill-health following a kidney transplant.

Despite having made huge progress since the life-saving operation in 2017, Cole is in no mood to give himself credit, insisting he still has a fight to win.

“There’s no credit,” said Cole. “I never gave myself credit when I was playing football, so why would I change now?

“My fight is with me, it will always be with me, because I constantly want to better myself.

“I spoke to some pals about a month ago and I finally said, ‘I did all right in my career, didn’t I?’ and they laughed and said, ‘You did more than all right, what you achieved was unbelievable’.

“But that’s me. I should give myself credit and I will do at some stage, but right now I’ve still got a battle on my hands.

“It’s been a tough journey and I’ve always challenged myself. But when you have a disease like I have, you can’t challenge yourself, because ultimately it’s how your body feels.

“Your body becomes very tired, because it’s a fatigue illness. The transplant isn’t a cure, it just gives you a way of life. But the way of life I want to live and the one the transplant’s given me is the total opposite. So all you end up doing is fighting yourself. You want more.

“Ultimately when you can’t do it, that’s when the frustration starts. I question myself when I can’t do

certain things. So mentally, it’s all mind games, while physically, your body’s always tired.

“It’s a challenge that ultimately I know I can’t win. But I’ll still give it everything I’ve got, believing I can still win. I can’t get away from that mentality.” He has launched the Andy Cole