sport
Joe Cole retires: Former England, Chelsea & West Ham midfielder quits at 37
[su_label type=”info”]SMA News – Agencies [/su_label][su_spacer size=”10″] Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has retired at the age of 37.
Cole, who came through West Ham’s youth system before spells at Liverpool, Lille, Aston Villa and Coventry City, has played for United Soccer League side Tampa Bay Rowdies since 2016.
He scored 10 goals in 56 games for England between 2001 and 2010.
“It has been a dream come true. All of it,” said Cole. “I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been.”
Cole made his West Ham debut aged 17 and became captain four years later.
In 2003, he joined Chelsea, with whom he won three Premier League titles and two FA Cups and reached the 2007-08 Champions League final.
He spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, playing more than 280 games in all competitions.
“Winning trophies at Chelsea was particularly special for me,” said Cole. “Those memories will live with me forever.”
Cole, who came through West Ham’s youth system before spells at Liverpool, Lille, Aston Villa and Coventry City, has played for United Soccer League side Tampa Bay Rowdies since 2016.
He scored 10 goals in 56 games for England between 2001 and 2010.
“It has been a dream come true. All of it,” said Cole. “I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been.”
Cole made his West Ham debut aged 17 and became captain four years later.
In 2003, he joined Chelsea, with whom he won three Premier League titles and two FA Cups and reached the 2007-08 Champions League final.
He spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, playing more than 280 games in all competitions.
“Winning trophies at Chelsea was particularly special for me,” said Cole. “Those memories will live with me forever.”
