Cole says farewell

Carlton Cole bids farewell to West Ham United after the Club confirmed that the forward's contract will not be renewed
Carlton Cole has made 293 appearances for West Ham United over the past nine seasons, scoring 68 goals. The centre forward, who scored on his debut against Charlton Athletic in August 2006 and the opening goal in the 2012 Championship Play-Off final victory over Blackpool at Wembley, has played seven times for England during his time as a Hammer. Here, the 31-year-old says farewell to the Hammers in his own words…
 
Hello everyone,

I’ve been at West Ham United for quite a long time and I’ve enjoyed myself here, with all the ups and downs, the heartaches and everything that came along with it.

At the same time, I’ve grown from being a boy to a man here and everybody has treated me like a part of the family.

It is heart-warming to know that I have got such support and that I have done my fair share for the Club and been part of the history as well, which is very important for me.

I’m very happy to have been a part of it and, wherever my future may lie, West Ham will always have a special place in my heart.

It means a lot to me to have been at West Ham for so long. I wouldn’t like to use the word hero, but I have played my part. A load of players have come and gone, but I’ve stayed around and enjoyed every minute of it.

If I could pick out my two most memorable moments, the Play-Off final and the two goals I scored when we beat Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup in 2010 are the two that everybody says that I played a blinder in and it would be fair to say I agree with them.

I have enjoyed every game I have played for West Ham but all good things have to come to an end and I will be leaving.

When I think of West Ham United I think of a family football club which has embraced me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you all.

Carlton Cole
 
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