Ex-England midfielder Cole retires

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from football yesterday, bringing the curtains down on a 20year professional career.

Cole, who turned 37 last week, made 716 appearances and scored 104 goals for seven clubs and completed his career with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second-tier United Soccer League.

“After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots,” Cole, who came through West Ham United’s youth system, said in a statement. “It has been a dream come true. All of it.