Cole eyes Olympic role

Published: 17 Nov 2011 - 13:16:54

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Joe Cole has revealed his desire to play for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.

Next year's Games will be held in east London, where Cole began his career at West Ham, and he admitted it would be an honour to return to compete for Olympic gold.

Cole could be selected by Team GB boss Stuart Pearce as one of three over-age players, with David Beckham tipped to fill one of those roles, and the 30-year-old told a press conference: "I would love to play in the Olympics."

Cole added: "I would be very excited because it is in London, in east London where I started my football career

"I love the Olympics, I love the sport. I've been trying to get tickets but it is very hard so I better get playing in it."

Cole is on a season-long loan at French champions Lille as he looks to revive a career that has stalled in the past 12 months.

Cole endured an unsuccessful first year at Liverpool last season and has found himself on the outer of England boss Fabio Capello's plans since the World Cup.

The midfielder has not given up on his international career, however, saying: "If the call comes, I would be very happy because I am a proud Englishman.

"I love playing for my country. If it comes, great. If it doesn't, my main focus is to win some trophies for Lille."