The two thirty-somethings will be leaving West Ham this summer.
Nine years. Carlton Cole has been at West Ham United for nine years.
But no longer. The 31-year-old has confirmed his departure from the Upton Park outfit and will seek a new challenge ahead of next season.
| 2011-15 | Goals | Assists | Appearances | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Nolan | 18 | 8 | 97 | 7,429 |
| Andy Carroll | 14 | 9 | 53 | 4,059 |
| Carlton Cole | 10 | 1 | 76 | 3,112 |
| Diafra Sakho | 10 | 2 | 23 | 1,760 |
| Mark Noble | 9 | 10 | 94 | 7,936 |
As Opta stats show, over the past four Premier League seasons, the 31-year-old is West Ham’s joint-top scorer. What that seems to represent more, however, is the fact the east London side barely score any goals! Diafra Sakho, in one campaign, has scored as many as Cole did in 76 appearances, while also registering more assists.
Supporters were nevertheless sad to see him go. He has become synonymous with the club, after all.
Of course, Cole wasn’t the only high-profile name to leave West Ham, with Nene’s departure also confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
That move, however, seemed neither here nor there. There was initial excitement when the 33-year-old winger signed for the Hammers but, in the end, all excitement faded away rather quickly. The fact that he is leaving has left many supporters disappointed, though – they feel the Brazilian was never given a chance.
Here’s how West Ham fans reacted on Twitter as both thirty-somethings announced their exit (and it looks like Cole will be leaving for good this time):
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