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Cole playing for the Hammers back in 2003. Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport
Hammer once again

'The timing was right for me to come back' - Cole completes return to West Ham

The English midfielder has rejoined the club he began his professional career with.

JOE COLE HAS rejoined his boyhood club West Ham from Liverpool, it has been confirmed this morning.

The English midfielder, now 31, made his professional debut for the Hammers during a spell which began in 1999 and lasted until his move to Chelsea four years later.

It has not worked out for Cole at Liverpool since arriving on Merseyside in 2010 and after a loan spell with Lille last year, he departs having made ten appearances and scored two goals this season.

“It is a great move for me,” Cole told the club’s website whufc.com. “Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on.

“This is where I learnt my trade and I’m happy to have another chance to be here. I’ve always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

The timing was right for me to come back and I’m happy. I’m back in London and I’m delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact.”

Cole, who has signed an 18-month deal and will be handed his old No26 squad number, added that he is looking forward to playing under Sam Allardyce.

“Sam didn’t have to sell me the club for me to come back. For me, I have had 18 months at Liverpool where I haven’t played much football and Sam wants to play me. I’m going to need games to get back to my best, but I want to play football and come here and help the team to make an impact.

“I could see from the outside what a great bunch of lads we have here and there is a great spirit. I’m excited.”

In a brief statement, Liverpool said:  ”Everybody at LFC would like to wish Joe all the best for the future.”

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