West Ham academy product and former fans’ favourite Joe Cole has announced his retirement.
Cole came through the academy at West Ham and went on to have an illustrious career with both club and country.
The Londoner came through the academy at West Ham and made his debut back in 1999, aged just 17.
Cole was a member of West Ham’s 1999 Intertoto Cup winning squad and he won the 2002/03 Hammer of the Year accolade before leaving Upton Park.
After 150 games and 13 goals for the Hammers, Chelsea took him as West Ham were sent to the Championship.
Cole spent seven years with Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup.
A short stint at Liverpool followed and he even spent time on loan in France with Lille.
But in January 2013, West Ham brought Cole back to East London, where he signed an 18-month contract.
The lively midfielder scored five times in 37 games in his second spell with the Irons, taking his total tally to 187 games and 18 goals in claret and blue.
Following his West Ham departure, Cole spent time with Aston Villa, Coventry City and most recently Tampa Bay Rowdies.
He also played 56 times for England and scored 10 goals, including a memorable wonder-strike against Sweden.
But West Ham will always have a place in his heart and Hammers fans will always remember Cole fondly.
Below are some fantastic tributes to Cole after he hung up his boots.
https://twitter.com/woodall_matthew/status/1062300356183375872
https://twitter.com/mikoaks/status/1062278883083538432
https://twitter.com/supersonic_mark/status/1062278486386270210
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