Joe Cole completes return to West Ham

West Ham have completed the signing of Joe  Cole from Liverpool on a free transfer.

The 31 year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Upton Park side, after he has struggled to impress at Anfield following a free transfer from Chelsea in 2010 and spent last season on loan at French club Lille.

Cole, who started 108 league games for West Ham during his first period at the club, will wear the No 26 shirt he gave up to join Chelsea in 2003.

He told the club’s official website: “It is a great move for me. Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on.

“This is where I learnt my trade and I’m happy to have another chance to be here. I’ve always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

“The timing was right for me to come back and I’m happy. I’m back in London and I’m delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact.

“Sam Allardyce 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 feel like I owe the club a little bit as well because if it wasn’t for West Ham I wouldn’t be a footballer. This club’s great youth-team coaches taught me the trade