The former West Ham United and Celtic striker joined the US third-tier side earlier this month on a deal for the rest of the 2016 USL season.
Former West Ham United and England striker Carlton Cole has revealed to the Telegraph that he hopes to extend his stay with new club Sacramento Republic FC beyond this year and eventually go into coaching in the USA.
Cole, 32, joined Republic FC earlier this month after leaving Celtic on a free transfer in June and made his eagerly-anticipated debut for the US third-tier side as a late substitute in Saturday night’s 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps 2.
The ex-Chelsea youngster’s contract is only for the rest of the 2016 USL campaign, but he is already making plans for a long-term future in the States.
“I’ve always said I would play in the USA and when the opportunity came to play the last few games of the season here, I jumped at the chance,” Cole told The Telegraph’s Bob Williams. “If [my time at Sacramento] is successful and I enjoy it I’m planning on staying and making a life out here for myself.
“After my career I’d like to get into youth football over here and try and help with the academy and help the kids go forward. If America decided to send all the kids into soccer, the world would stand no chance because there’s so many good athletes over here.”
Before linking up with Sacramento, Cole spent just eight months at Celtic after joining the club on a free transfer last October, scoring once in five total appearances before being released this summer following Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as manager.
The London-born forward had hoped to make a much bigger impact in the Scottish Premiership, but fitness problems and “a bit of politics” meant he found himself stuck behind Leigh Griffiths and Colin Kazim-Richards in the pecking order.
He ultimately failed to feature for the club after January and admits that the chance to play regularly again was a big reason for his decision to accept a surprise move to Northern California.
“When I was at Celtic, I was already lagging behind. I joined in October, they were in full flow and they wanted to me to get up to full fitness,” Cole added to the Telegraph. “I did that but there was a bit of politics being played and I didn’t get as much game time as I wanted to.
“Now I’ve got an opportunity to get back to match fitness and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to do so. That’s why I’m here.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
