London, England – Joe Cole completed a return to West Ham from Liverpool on Friday after signing an 18-month contract with the club where he began his career.
Cole signed with Liverpool from Chelsea in 2010, but the move failed to work out for the Reds, who loaned Cole to French side Lille for a year.
The former England international returned to Liverpool under new manager Brendan Rodgers, but after making 42 appearances for the Reds, including only nine starts in the Premiership, Cole is pleased to be heading back to Upton Park.
"It is a great move for me," said Cole of his return to West Ham. "Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learned how to play on. This is where I learned 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."
Cole was named the 2003 Hammer of the Year and won the 1999 FA Youth Cup as a member of West Ham.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.