Cole announces retirement

Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole announced his retirement on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old had been playing for his home-town club Nottingham Forest this season but failed to score in 11 appearances before his contract was cancelled two weeks ago.

That forced Cole to accept it was time to hang up his boots after an illustrious playing career that brought him 289 goals, 15 England caps and a host of honours with United – including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League winners' medal.

Cole, who started his career at Arsenal and also starred for Bristol City, Newcastle, Blackburn, Fulham and Manchester City, admitted he was disappointed that his career was effectively ended when he was released by Forest boss Colin Calderwood.

“It's not the ideal ending. It just wasn't working out. I told them from the outset that I didn't want to go there to sit on the bench, because I didn't want to be perceived as sitting back and making easy money,” Cole told The Times.

“It was a strange one from the start. I never knew what my role was. Was it a PR thing, to sell a few more season tickets?

“I felt like the manager wouldn't have a conversation with me. I don't know if it's the right word, but he seemed kind of intimidated by me. I just wish Forest could have been honest.”

Cole is now hoping to go into coaching and added: “I've all this experience. I don't want to keep it to myself.

“I want to give something back. I don't think it's the end of the Andrew Cole story. I hope it's a new chapter. But I wouldn't change a thing. I've lived the dream.”