CHELSEA left-back Ashley Cole collected a record-breaking fifth FA Cup winning medal and insisted the season has been his best ever in the Premier League.

Cole, named man of the match in the victory over Everton, struggled to find his best form when he arrived at Stamford Bridge from London rivals Arsenal in 2006.

A niggling ankle injury affected his form and the ability to make the kind of attacking runs on which he built his reputation at Arsenal.

Cole played through the World Cup in 2006 with the injury but he is delighted to be back to full fitness once again.

Surgery cured the ankle problem and a pain-free Cole has been in devastating form all season as a result.

He produced a stunning performance on the left flank against Everton, linking up superbly with Florent Malouda, to cause the Toffees all kinds of problems.

‘‘I can run again because I have no pain in my ankle,’’ said Cole ‘‘I had an operation and they took a piece of my bone away that was floating in my ankle.

‘‘I did it at Arsenal but I didn’t want to come to Chelsea and have the operation straight away. It did affect me and I shouldn’t have done it. There were times when I didn’t enjoy it.

‘‘But I knew that once my ankle was better, I would be able to run. The manager (Jose Mourinho) wanted me to attack, but I couldn’t do it. I played in the World Cup with it and I just wanted the injury finished. Now I feel really fit.

‘‘This season though has been the best I’ve had in the Premier League. Now I am playing with a smile on my face and as a player I think I've improved."