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Joe Cole announced on Tuesday that he will be hanging up his playing boots and look to move into coaching, ending a 20-year senior career.

The Paddington-born ace emerged on the scene as a teenager, looked upon as England’s next great player who possessed a wealth of natural talent.

By the age of 21, the 5 foot 7 midfielder carried the West Ham armband as the Hammers fought for survival.

A move to Chelsea the year after saw Cole join a project that went on to win the Premier League three times, the FA Cup twice and finish as runners-up in the 2007-08 Champions League.

The potential was there for a glorious summer in Germany in 2006 as well, Cole starring for England as the Three Lions progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Unfortunately, his career never quite got the rewards it deserved, as the Premier League was not ready for a creative midfielder in a world of 4-4-2s.

Now Cole will try look to try his hand as a coach, potentially producing the next 'Joe Cole' in a world that will appreciate the talent far more.

These West Ham fans certainly carry fond memories of the Irons’ academy star…