Joe Cole: England legend Stuart Pearce praises West Ham academy after former Hammers and Chelsea ace retires
Cole was one of several stars who went on to achieve great things after coming through the ranks at West Ham, winning the Premier League and playing at the World Cup
Stuart Pearce has paid tribute to the West Ham youth system for producing talent like Joe Cole.
The former Hammer today announced his retirement after an illustrious 20-year playing career which saw him win three Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Chelsea.
Cole was originally part of West Ham's 'golden generation' which went on to achieve huge success, alongside the likes of Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
He joined the Hammers at the age of eight and made 187 appearances, before Chelsea bought him for £6.6m in 2003.
And Pearce, who was Cole's team-mate during his West Ham days, told talkSPORT: "They had some wonderful talent, Joe being one of them.
"They all came through together – a clutch of really talented young players.
"He enjoyed his time at West Ham, they encouraged his talent. I think the fans love that sort of Di Canio type, someone who can go out there and show their talent.
"He flourished with that and got even better when he went to Chelsea and onwards."
The 37-year bows out of professional football after 716 appearances, scoring 104 goals for seven different clubs.
He made his international debut for England aged 19 and went on to earn 56 caps, appearing at three separate World Cups.
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Cole said in a statement: "After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots. It has been a dream come true. All of it.
“Whatever is next, I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been. A huge thanks to everyone who helped me along that path.”