Joe Cole believes his move back to boyhood club West Ham will help him re-establish himself as one of the stars of the English game.
The 31-year-old returned to Upton Park on Thursday, ending what has been a difficult time for him at Liverpool.
Cole came up through the ranks in East London, eventually graduating to the first team before moving across the capital to Chelsea in 2003.
Despite the fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder quickly established himself as a key part of the side that won the title twice under Jose Mourinho and his form was rewarded with the club’s Player of the Year award in 2008.
After seven years at the Bridge, Cole decided to join Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2010 but things never really worked out for him at Anfield, and after falling it out of favour with Kenny Dalglish, he spent last season on loan at French club Lille.
Opportunities were once again at a premium under Brendan Rodgers and punters who bet on football had widely tippied him to leave this month.
Now he’s left Merseyside, Cole is confident that he can once again exhibit his unbelievable talent.
“It is a great move for me. Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on,” he told Premier League betting news reporters. “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.”
