Source: PA
Gerrard key to Cole deal - Hodgson
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard played an integral role in persuading Joe Cole to sign for the Reds, according to manager Roy Hodgson.
That intervention is significant as it provides the biggest hint yet that the 30-year-old is looking to continue his career with his boyhood club despite speculation about his future.
Gerrard and Reds vice-captain Jamie Carragher made the most of the time they had with Cole during England's disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa to convince their international team-mate that Anfield was the right place for him.
Cole was a free agent having been released by Chelsea and Arsenal and Tottenham, who could both offer Champions League football this season, were also reported to be interested in signing the 28-year-old.
"Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard did a good job in selling the club to Joe at the recent World Cup," said the Liverpool manager.
"He was undecided about what he wanted to do and to be fair it takes a bit more selling to persuade a Londoner who has played all his life in London to move up to Liverpool. The simple solution would have been to stay in the London area."
