West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has announced that he is to be released by the Upton Park outfit.
The 31-year-old, who initially left the Hammers in 2013 before re-signing five months later, scored 68 goals in 293 appearances after first joining from Chelsea in 2006.
Cole is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It means a lot to me to have been at West Ham for so long.
"I wouldn't like to use the word hero, but I have played my part. A load of players have come and gone, but I've stayed around and enjoyed every minute of it."
Cole, who has seven England caps, made 23 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring against Crystal Palace and Burnley.
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
