Former England midfielder Joe Cole has left West Ham United following the expiration of his contract with the club.

The 32-year-old was given an 18-month deal when he joined on a free transfer from Liverpool last January, but has since fallen down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground.

"My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn't work towards the end of this season and I didn't play enough," Cole told talkSPORT.

"So, I'm just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit.

The former England international continued: "At this stage of my career, finances are not important for me. I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more."

Cole hasn’t started a league game since December and has now mutually decided to part company with the club in search of first team football.