Former England footballer, Joe Cole, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
Cole, who played for West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille, Aston Villa, Coventry City and also won 56 caps for England between 2001 and 2010 announced his retirement today Nov 13th, describing his 20-year career as 'a dream come true.'
His retirement comes after a two-and-a-half year spell in America with United Soccer League outfit the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
'After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots,' Cole said in a statement.
'There are key moments in every professional’s career,' Cole continued in his statement. '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. 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,' Cole added.
It will be difficult to replicate that but I’ll always remember all of my former team-mates 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.
'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 Cole won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and reached the final of the Champions League in 2006.
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