Striker Carlton Cole will leave West Ham United this summer
after the club decided not to renew his contract.
The 29-year-old has spent seven seasons at Upton Park but
struggled for form in 2012-13, scoring only twice.
Cole's future at the club appeared in doubt as the club have
agreed a fee to sign Andy Carroll on a permanent deal.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: "Carlton's need at
his age is to be playing football as often as he can. We felt it better he
found pastures new."
Cole, who has seven England caps, joined West Ham from
Chelsea in 2006.
His last goal for the club was in a home defeat by Everton
last December and he indicated on Tuesday on Twitter that he would be looking
for a new club.
He said: "Life
is filled with ups and downs - today is a down but I'll be back! Carlton Cole
has left the building.
"I came to east London not knowing what to expect but
I'm glad I did. The last 7 years I've met a lot of good honest decent people.
Thank you."
His departure was confirmed on the club's official
website on Wednesday.
West Ham's joint chairman David Gold tweeted: "Good luck @CarltonCole1 - one of the
nicest men I've ever met in football."
Meanwhile, the club have announced they are still in talks
with midfielder Gary O'Neil, 30, over a new deal.
Allardyce said: "For Gary, negotiations are ongoing and
that will be done between the chairmen and his agent now."
Cole's West Ham years
Appearances: 237
Goals: 59
England caps: seven
Cole scored the
opening goal in West Ham's Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool
in 2012.
2012-13
appearances/goals: 29/2
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