West Ham striker Carlton Cole has thanked everyone associated with the club for their overwhelming support during his stay at Upton Park.
The 31-year-old was released by his club for the second time in two seasons, after having spent two terms with the Hammers during his second stint with the club.
Having started off his playing career with Chelsea in 2001, Cole went on to play for a number of English clubs on loan before joining West Ham in 2006.
He left the club in 2013 only to eventually return to them the next season on a free transfer.
During his second stint with the club, the striker managed a total of 49 appearances for Sam Allardyce's team, managing eight goals.
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In a farewell note to the club and the fans the former England striker stated that he has enjoyed every bit of the ups and downs and the heartaches associated with West Ham.
"I’ve been at West Ham United for quite a long time and I’ve enjoyed myself here, with all the ups and downs, the heartaches and everything that came along with it", Cole said in the letter.
"At the same time, I’ve grown from being a boy to a man here and everybody has treated me like a part of the family.
"It is heart-warming to know that I have got such support and that I have done my fair share for the Club and been part of the history as well, which is very important for me.
"I’m very happy to have been a part of it and, wherever my future may lie, West Ham will always have a special place in my heart."
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