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Ashley Cole fears Raheem Sterling is being targeted in similar way to his time as an England player.

The LA Galaxy defender made the claim in ITV’s hard-hitting new documentary, Out Of Their Skin, charting the last 40 years of black players in the national team.

Highly-decorated Cole - England’s first black centurion with 107 caps - said: “Now I see it going on with Raheem.

"I don't see it going on with anyone else apart with Raheem. There's a different agenda to that I feel.

Like Sterling, Cole - who quit England four years ago - had aspects of his private life scrutinized and was targeted for criticism.

(Image: Action Plus via Getty Images)

Despite a glittering career laden with silverware Cole, a world class left-back, was also booed on international duty.

Asked why he feels Sterling has been singled out Cole, who now lives in Hollywood after leaving Chelsea in 2016, added: “There’s nothing else left apart from his colour. His skin colour.

“I have a lovely family. I have two kids — coming here to be out of that bowl. I walk the street, take them to the park and I never see myself in a newspaper. I’m just free here.”

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The former Arsenal and Chelsea star, now 37, makes the comments in hard-hitting two-part documentary, Out Of Their Skin, which charts the last 40 years of black players in the national team.

After three years without an England goal, Sterling ended his drought with two in the recent Nations League win away to Spain that helped the Three Lions reach the semi-finals next summer.

Boss Gareth Southgate said: “I am really pleased for Raheem ­because he is in outstanding form. We have huge belief in him and that belief in his own game is coming now."

* Out Of Their Skin is on ITV4 at 10pm this Tuesday and Wednesday