Joe Cole announces retirement

    Former England international Joe Cole has announced his retirement from football.

    The 37-year-old midfielder, who came through West Ham’s youth system and played for Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille, Aston Villa and Coventry City, has been at United Soccer League side Tampa Bay Rowdies since 2016.

    He scored 10 goals in 56 games for England between 2001 and 2010.

    Cole said: "It has been a dream come true. All of it. I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been."

    "Winning trophies at Chelsea was particularly special for me. Those memories will live with me forever."

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