He had to jet back to LA just days after his baby son was born in Rome back in February.
But
Ashley Cole, 35, was able to hold his son in his arms earlier this week
as he was pictured for the first time cradling his firstborn during a
lunch date with girlfriend Sharon Canu in LA.
The
footballer affectionately held his bundle of joy close to his chest as
he made his way to the eatery beside his Italian model girlfriend.
Doting dad: Ashley Cole, 35, was able
to hold his son in his arms earlier this week as he was pictured
cradling his firstborn for the first time during a lunch date with
girlfriend Sharon Canu in LA
His
firstborn looked to be having a snooze as he lay limp in his father's
arms in an all-navy ensemble complete with a hood to keep the sun off
his head.
Ashley
looked like he had embraced fatherhood, gazing adoringly at his son as
he walked and showing his paternal instinct with his boy in his arms.
The
LA Galaxy star dressed down for the laidback family outing in a black
LA Dodgers cap, a plain grey t-shirt, black shorts and grey and white
trainers.
Happy family: Ashley looked like he had embraced fatherhood, pushing his son in a pram while girlfriend Sharon walked beside him
Meanwhile, Sharon tied her ombre tresses into a ponytail and wore shades to protect her eyes from the bright sunlight.
She wore a plain black top with a flowing black waistcoat, blue skinny jeans and a striking pair of black boots.
The trio sat on a shaded terrace adorned with vivid flower baskets to eat their lunch al fresco.
As they left the restaurant it was Sharon's turn to push the pram while Ashley carried their son in his arms.
Just
before he climbed back into their car, Ashley lit a cigarette and had a
few puffs which looked to relax him as he exhaled deeply.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea ace has been reinvigorated since his move Stateside from Italian giants Roma in January.
Last
month the 107-times-capped England left back appeared to have a sly dig
at his former club by tweeting: 'Thank you @LAGalaxy for bringing the
smile back,' alongside a photograph of himself grinning.'
Since
joining fellow former Premier League icons Steven Gerrard and Robbie
Keane in California, the 35-year-old has slotted into Bruce Arena's
team.
