Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard played an integral role in persuading free agent Joe Cole to sign for the Reds, according to manager Roy Hodgson.
That intervention 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 World Cup campaign to convince him Anfield was the right place for him.
Hodgson said Gerrard and Carragher had done a good job in talking up Liverpool. "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."
Cole agreed personal terms on a four-year contract yesterday before flying to Liverpool's training camp in Switzerland to undergo a medical and meet his new boss.
"I am pleased to get the player because it is very important to try to improve our squad as much as we can in order to reach the high goals we have set ourselves," Hodgson told talkSPORT.
"It is also pleasing the reaction of the fans has been as positive as our reaction, so at the moment that is perfect.
"Now it is up to Joe to show on the field he is the right man."
Source: PA
