Joe Cole leaves Liverpool for West Ham

Joe Cole has completed his move to West Ham United.

The player had 18 months left on his £5M a year contract at Liverpool, and has been handed an 18 month contract at the Hammers - moving on a free transfer.

It is believed that Liverpool have reached a financial agreement - some suggesting that Joe has been paid off £2.5M as part of the deal, others suggesting the reds will continue to pay him half his earnings - £50k a week for the next 18 months.

Cole was widely believed to be a signing by former club suit, Christian Purslow, and arrived shortly after Roy Hodgson's appointment as manager.  However, a combination of poor form and injuries saw him struggle to hold down a place at the club.

He scored 5 goals in 42 appearances since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2010.

He was sent to Lille on a season long loan, but the French club decided against making the move permanent.

The player who started his career at West Ham said:

"I've always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

"It's a great move for me. This is where I learnt my trade and I'm happy to have another chance to be here.

"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."

Liverpool, somewhat surprisingly, now have both the number 9 and 10 shirts vacant.

We wish Joe all the best at West Ham.