21 Jul Carlton Cole writes open letter to fans after being released by West Ham
Carlton Cole has announced he has been released by West Ham for the second time in two years. The striker was let go by the club in the summer of 2013 but rejoined on a short-term deal five months later before signing an 18-month contract in January 2014. However, the former England international has taken to Twitter to reveal that deal will not be extended.
“Looking forward to my next adventure,” he said. “I have spoken to West Ham United and it has been decide[d] not to extend my contract. I wish West Ham United all the best and I will look out for their progress in the future. Thanks for a great 9 years. It’s been emotional.”
Cole began his career at Chelsea and had spells on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa before moving to east London in the summer of 2006.
The 31-year-old, who has seven England caps, made 23 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring against Crystal Palace and Burnley before seeing a move to West Bromwich Albion collapse in January.
Cole was set to join West Brom but West Ham refused to sanction the move at the last moment after their attempts to sign Emmanuel Adebayor were blocked by the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy.
Cole has written an open letter of goodbye on West Ham’s website. “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,” it said.
“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.
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“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.”
The Hammers announced another forward would be leaving the club, confirming the exit of the Brazilian Nenê. The 33-year-old signed a short-term deal in February but made only eight appearances for the team under Sam Allardyce.
Nenê wrote on his Instagram account: “My goal is to play for at least three more seasons at the top level and for that reason I need to go to another club. I thank the fans for their permanent support and wish the best success to my teammates and West Ham United.”