West Ham have confirmed that striker Carlton Cole will leave the club at the end of the season. The 29-year-old striker was out of contract and the club has not decided to renew the deal.

This will bring an end to the seven-year stay at Upton Park for the former Chelsea striker. Cole has been an important player for West Ham over the years, but the arrival of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll – on a loan deal – reduced the number of first-team opportunities this season. His form has also suffered as well, as he has scored just two goals in the Premier league season that just concluded.