Ashley Cole among 8 released by LA Galaxy after contract option declined

Ashley Cole is one of eight players released by the LA Galaxy as the club announced its initial roster for the 2019 Major League Soccer season.

Cole, 37, leaves the StubHub Center after three seasons -- during which time he made 83 MLS appearances -- after the club declined the option to extend his deal.

The former Chelsea, Arsenal and England left-back was the California franchise's captain for the 2018 season, in which the team failed to qualify for the playoffs despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's midseason arrival boosting their results.

Ibrahimovic is one of 16 players that the Galaxy confirmed will be on the 2019 roster in a statement on Monday.

A source told ESPN last week that reports Ibrahimovic had accepted an offer to return to former club AC Milan were false.

Another three players -- defender Dave Romney and midfielders Emmanuel Boateng and Chris Pontius -- are all out of contract but are in negotiations over new deals.