Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole has announced his retirement at the age of 37.
Cole came through the ranks at West Ham and made his debut aged 17, before joining Roman Abramovich s revolution at Chelsea five years later in 2003 in a deal reported to be worth £6.6million.
It was at Stamford Bridge the versatile attacking midfielder enjoyed the best years of his career, spending seven seasons with the Blues and winning a host of honours.
Although the Champions League eluded him, going closest in 2007-08 when Chelsea lost to Manchester United in the final, he did win the Premier League and FA Cup on three occasions each and claimed a pair of EFL Cup titles.
Cole also featured 56 times for England, including appearances at the World Cups of 2002, 2006 and 2010, and brings his 20-year career to a close having spent the past three years at Tampa Bay Rowdies.
After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots, read a statement on Cole s official Instagram account.
