West Ham and Chelsea Legend Joe Cole Announces Retirement From Professional Football

​Former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool star Joe Cole has announced his retirement from professional football with an emotional statement. 

The Hammers youth product played nearly 200 games for his boyhood club, almost 300 for Chelsea and was capped 58 times by England – scoring 10 goals, including a memorable volley in the 2006 World Cup against Sweden. 

Cole's long career saw him win three Premier League titles and two FA Cups with the Blues, being named their player of the year in the 2007/08 season; in which they reached the final of the Champions League. 

In a statement on Tuesday morning, he said: "After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots. 716 professional games, 104 goals, for seven great clubs – ​West Ham​Chelsea​Liverpool, Lille, ​Aston Villa, Coventry City and the Tampa Bay Rowdies – as well the honour of playing for England. It has been a dream come true. All of it. 

"There are key moments in every professional’s career. One of mine came when I was a young West Ham player. A senior pro, who was nearing his own retirement, said to me: 'Enjoy every game, young man. It goes by in the blink of an eye and you’ll miss it badly after it’s gone.' He was right. 

Chelsea v Hull City - Premier League

"Those words resonate even more now than they did back then. I tried to play and live by his advice every single day because being a professional footballer is an absolute honour. Countless people have helped me through my career. I don’t want to single anyone out individually for fear of overlooking someone else! Simply, to the managers, coaches, back room staff and everyone who has helped me along the way: thank you. 

"My favourite thing about being a professional footballer was the feeling you enjoy after coming back into the dressing room after a win. It will be difficult to replicate that but I’ll always remember all of my former teammates who I shared that experience with. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have played with some of the very best players of my era and even more fortunate to call a lot of them friends. 

"As a fan, I loved watching wholehearted, skilful players and this is what inspired me. I remembered what was special for me when I was sitting in the stands watching games and I tried to replicate this. I hope I was able to do this for some of the fans and people who have watched my games over the years. 

"Winning trophies at Chelsea was particularly special for me. Those memories will live with me forever, as will the chance I had to share them with my family. My wife, Carly, and our three amazing children, my Dad, George, my Mum, Susan, are what I’m most proud of. 

West Ham United v Arsenal - Premier League

"Looking to the future, I want to stay involved in the game. I feel I can offer a lot as a coach and have really enjoyed the opportunity to undertake some of these duties with the Rowdies. To lend my experience to help other young footballers achieve their dreams, just like I did, is a big passion of mine. Whatever is next, I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been. Again, a huge thanks to everyone who helped me along that path. 

"Joe."


Source : 90min