Cole leaves Hammers

13 May 2014 22:01

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed he has now left West Ham following the expiry of his contract.

Cole, 32, returned to his first club on an 18-month deal in January 2013 but played only a bit-part role in the season just concluded.

He moves on having not started a game in the Barclays Premier League since scoring in the 3-3 draw with West Brom last December.

Cole is not ready to retire and told talkSPORT: "I'm a free agent now and I'm looking for a new club.

"My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn't work towards the end of this season. I didn't play enough.

"So I'm just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit.

"At this stage of my career finances are not important for me, I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more."

Cole, a West Ham academy product, was regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation.

He left for Chelsea in 2003 and won three Premier League titles during a spell when he became an England regular but injuries saw him fall down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

A move to Liverpool in 2010 failed to reignite his career but he enjoyed a successful loan spell with Lille before returning to Upton Park.

Source: PA