Ex-Chelsea Midfielder, Joe Cole Announces Retirement

Cole, who turned 37 last week, made 716 professional appearances, scoring 104 goals for seven clubs, and completed his career with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League. He now wishes to pursue a career as a coach.

He made 56 England appearances and appeared in three World Cup tournaments after making his debut aged 19 following an impressive start to his career at West Ham.

Cole said in a statement on Tuesday: “After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots. It has been a dream come true. All of it. Whatever is next, I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been. A huge thanks to everyone who helped me along that path.”