England international Joe Cole said he was looking forward to boosting
Lille’s fortunes this season after signing a one-year loan deal with the
French champions on Wednesday.
Liverpool player Cole, 29, had
travelled to France Tuesday to undergo a medical and, despite a late bid
by Aston Villa, he opted to join the Ligue 1 club.
“Lille, Liverpool and Joe Cole have agreed on the terms of a one-year loan deal,” Lille said in a statement.
It was later confirmed that no purchase option was included in the contract.
Cole,
who began his top flight career with West Ham before going on to play
for Chelsea then Liverpool, has won three Premier League titles with
Chelsea.
He has also scored 10 goals for England in 56 appearances.
His
future at Liverpool, however, had been hanging in the balance since
last season. This campaign Cole has not featured in the squad for any of
Liverpool’s four competitive matches so far.
Lille were looking
to reinforce their attack as they embark on the Champions League this
season and regard Cole’s “experience and breathtaking honours list” as a
boost to their campaign.
And despite a late bid from Aston Villa
on the final day of summer transfers, Cole said he opted for Lille due
to their Champions League status this season.
“I know they play
good football and it’s a good family club,” said Cole, who will become
one of only a handful of English players to have plied their trade
across the Channel.
“I always wanted to go to play abroad. I love
football, I love watching it, I love talking about it. This is a great
experience and a challenge to play for a team who wants to progress.
“This
seems a very positive place. It looks to me that the club is going in
the right direction and I’m excited about coming here and helping this
club to win some trophies.”
