OFFICIAL: Former Chelsea star Joe Cole retires

Former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. 

Cole who won 56 caps for England and scored 10 goals for his country, was last playing for the Tampa Ray Rowdies in the USA.

After announcing his decision, he said: "After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots. It has been a dream come true. All of it.

"My favourite thing about being a professional footballer was the feeling you enjoy after coming back into the dressing room after a win. 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.

Cole will be well remembered by 'Three Lions' fans for his memorable World Cup goal against Sweden at the 2006 Germany World Cup.