Joe Cole leaves Liverpool on loan to Lille

Posted on September 1, 2011 by SoccerPunter

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 France 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.”