Cole leaves Hammers

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