Striker Carlton Cole will leave West Ham this summer, it was understood last night after what were believed to be unsuccessful contract negotiations between the England striker's representatives and the club.
The 29 year old tweeted last night, saying 'Life is filled with ups & downs today is a down but i'll be back! Carlton Cole/CFC as I have been called has left the building #UNDERCHUFFED'.
The striker went on to thank the West Ham fans, saying 'i want to thank the West Ham fans for their support especially the 1's (sic) who made the away games feel like a home 1 #COYI.. 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 #THANKYOU'.
Cole signed from London rivals Chelsea for £2m in summer 2006 and after Academy graduate Mark Noble, was the Hammers' longest serving player. The big striker went on to score 47 goals in 206 appearances in a West Ham shirt and made his England debut, against Spain in 2009, while at the club.
The powerful number nine has always divided opinion amongst Hammers fans, but earnt respect from many by turning down offers from Stoke and Galatasary and taking a 50% wage cut following relegation from the Premier League in 2011. Cole went on to enjoy his most prolific season in claret and blue last term, notching 15 goals, including the opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the Championship play off at Wembley that sealed the club's immediate return to the top flight.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted as well last night and wished Cole good luck for the future, saying 'Good luck @CarltonCole1 one of the nicest men I've ever met in football.'
Championship side Crystal Palace, who face a date with Watford at Wembley later this month for Premier League football next season, have been linked with the striker in recent weeks, as have newly-relegated Reading.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
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