The England and Chelsea defender racked up a £1,000 restaurant bill with team-mates John Terry and Michael Mancienne before unleashing the abuse at police.

Despite being repeatedly warned to curb his language by officers, the 28-year-old refused to calm down and he was subsequently arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

He apologised to the police for swearing at them after he emerged from the Collection nightclub in Kensington's fashionable Brompton Road but claimed he had been frustrated by the actions of the paparazzi.

However, the former Arsenal player admitted there was no excuse for his abusive behaviour.

Cole declared: "I take very seriously my responsibilities as a professional footballer, this includes keeping my body in the best condition.

"Although I had consumed some alcohol earlier in the evening on a night out with friends it had not been excessive.

"But I accept that the language I used on this occasion was wrong. I regret my actions and how it reflects on myself and Chelsea Football Club.

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the police officers on duty last night for my language.

"I felt I was being harassed by paparazzi and while complaining to the police about this at the scene they did warn me to calm down, a warning that I regrettably did not heed.

"I fully appreciate that whatever frustrations I may have had with others that it was completely inappropriate to vent those in conversations with the police.

"However, I do want to make clear that I swore in frustration at the paparazzi's behaviour. I would never disrespect police officers in any way."

Before his arrest, Cole had joined the rest of the first-team squad and more than 300 charity workers, celebrities and supporters for the second annual Chelsea FC and Armani charity fundraiser.

The restaurant manager, Mr. Maraj, said the trio had 'behaved well' before someone apparently took a picture of Cole.

The three players enjoyed a range of drinks, some of which may have been bought for them by other guests, he added.

He said: "People were coming up to them during dinner, men and women. They seemed happy and quite polite - all the players came for a quiet night.

"I believe there was a photographer inside who took a picture of Cole. He (Cole) was more frustrated than drunk.

"My staff told me he stopped to speak to police as he left. He was apparently complaining about paparazzi. My staff said he was being rude to the police."

Cole was arrested at about 2.15am and police sources said the officers were already on patrol in the street and were not called to deal with the Chelsea player.

Cole was taken to a central London police station and issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly before being released shortly after 5.30am. He is now likely to be fined by Chelsea.

Meanwhile Didier Drogba wants to stay at Chelsea when his contract expires next season.

The striker, back to his best form under new interim coach Guus Hiddink, is determined to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast international has scored twice since Hiddink took control of the side from sacked Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and wants to sign a new deal when his current contract ends next summer.

Drogba said: "Because of my knee problems and what happened with the manager, I really want to make it clear again that I'm staying here.

"I have worked really hard in training but the good thing is I have had the support of the players and people like Ray Wilkins."