Carlton Cole announces his departure from West Ham

Carlton Cole has confirmed that he has been released by West Ham for a second time.

The 31-year-old striker was let go by the Hammers at the end of the 2013 season, only to return to Upton Park a few months later.

He scored three goals in 26 appearances in all competitions last season but will now be on the lookout for a new club.

He tweeted: “Looking forward to my next adventure. I have spoken to West Ham United and it has been decide not to extend my contract.

“I wish West Ham United all the best and I will look out for their progress in the future. Thanks for a great 9 years. it's been emotional.”

Cole later wrote a letter saying goodbye to Hammers fans, published on their official website,

"I've been at West Ham United for quite a long time and I've enjoyed myself here, with all the ups and downs, the heartaches and everything that came along with it," he said.

"At the same time, I've grown from being a boy to a man here and everybody has treated me like a part of the family.

"It is heart-warming to know that I have got such support and that I have done my fair share for the club and been part of the history as well, which is very important for me.

"I'm very happy to have been a part of it and, wherever my future may lie, West Ham will always have a special place in my heart.

"It means a lot to me to have been at West Ham for so long. I wouldn't like to use the word hero, but I have played my part. A load of players have come and gone, but I've stayed around and enjoyed every minute of it."

Cole was close to leaving West Ham to join West Brom on Deadline Day in January but the move fell through at the last minute, much to his frustration.

"I was there doing the medical; then I was back home,” he told The Fantasy Football Club. “It was disappointing as I was going to get some first-team football.

“At the time I was not happy about it, but it was one of those things and I had to get on with it."