Ashley Cole asked estranged wife Cheryl to delay separation plans until the soccer World Cup, sources say.

The English footballer's multiple affairs were exposed earlier this year.

Cole apparently asked the Girls Aloud singer to wait to split till he was back from the tournament in South Africa.

However, the beauty gave a firm "no" in reply, sources say.

"Cheryl hit the roof. She flew off the handle and he knew instantly he'd said the wrong thing once again," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

Cole had made the suggestion earlier via text as well. (ANI)