Former Liverpool Flop Plays Down West Ham Exit Rumours
Joe Cole has reiterated his desire to remain at West Ham United despite suggestions he could look to leave the club after being substituted before half-time in the 3-0 loss to his former club Chelsea last weekend.
The Hammers are just one place above the relegation zone after a dreadful start to the season that has seen them score just nine league goals in 12 games.
Pressure appears to be heaping on manager Sam Allardyce and there was a suggestion that Cole could look to leave the club just 12 months after returning on a free transfer from Liverpool.
The 32 year old struggled to make an impact in his time at Liverpool but seem rejuvenated when he returned to Upton Park as he scored two league goals in just seven appearances.
He has featured just seven times in the league this season due to injuries, though did score in the win over Cardiff City, but it seems he is determined to remain with the club and help them climb the table, starting with a win over Fulham this weekend.
"I was as frustrated as anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team get out of the difficult run we're going through at the moment," Cole told the official West Ham website.
"As I said in the press at the weekend, I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham United as it's a Club that means so much to me. As a squad we've still got a lot to play for this season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the goals we set ourselves. I'm happy at the Club and the only way I'll be leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore.
"The manager has been great to me since I came back and supported me while I was out with a couple of frustrating injuries. I now feel fully fit and I'm ready to help him and the squad whenever I'm needed during a busy schedule in the coming weeks.
"We face a really important game against Fulham at Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much the lads want to win it. If we can get the three points that gives us the perfect platform to go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later and get a little run going.
"I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we can give them what they all want to see. They're up there with the best in the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer about."
West Ham have won just two games this season and will be desperate to get a result against fellow struggles Fulham who are also on ten points but have a worse goal difference.
Having Cole back fit does provide Allardyce with an extra goal threat but he will be desperate for the return of another ex-Liverpool player in Andy Carroll, whose influence has been badly missed this season.
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