Former Chelsea and Liverpool star announces retirement from football

Joe Cole has announced his retirement from professional football [Courtesy]

Former Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool and England midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from professional football.

Cole (37) made a total of 716 appearances for different clubs and scored 104 goals.

These clubs include West Ham, where he started his professional career from 1998 to 2003, Chelsea from 2003-2010, Liverpool from 2010 to 2013, Westham again for a year (2013-14) and Aston Villa between 2014 and 2016.

Tampa Bay Wanderers, Coventry City and French-based side Lille are the other clubs he’s also represented.

He completed his career playing for United Soccer League side Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The 37-year-old played for many teams in the Premier League including Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham [Courtesy]

For England, he made 56 appearances including three World Cups.

"After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots. It has been a dream come true. 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," said Cole as seen by Game Yetu on European news outlets.

Cole says he wants to move into coaching [Courtesy]

Cole has however vowed to stay with the game, even if it means he won’t be playing it anymore.

"I want to stay involved in the game. I feel I can offer a lot as a coach. To lend my experience to help other young footballers achieve their dreams is a big passion of mine,” he vowed.