Joining Liverpool was a big mistake - Chelsea legend Joe Cole tells Mikel Obi
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Joe Cole tells Mikel Obi he regrets joining Liverpool || Imago and Getty

Joining Liverpool was a big mistake - Chelsea legend Joe Cole tells Mikel Obi

Stephen Oladehinde 15:48 - 22.07.2024

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has revealed that he regrets making a transfer move to Liverpool during his playing days.

The former England international's injury-plagued journey from Chelsea to Liverpool is a story of what could have been during his tenure at Anfield.

After suffering a catastrophic knee injury in January 2009 while competing in the FA Cup against Southend United, Joe Cole's career took a dramatic turn for the worse.

He missed 11 months of work due to this ACL, PCL, and MCL injury, which was a turning point in his career.

Joe Cole speaks on Liverpool’s regret 

Joe Cole gave a direct account of his career while appearing on "The Obi One Podcast," admitting that he regretted joining Liverpool.

Joe Cole signs for Liverpool || Getty
Joe Cole signs for Liverpool || Getty

Cole said, “I was never the same player after that. I done everything, ACL, PCL, MCL and I was out for 11 months. My body was just failing me… I really wrecked myself. That’s how my body was after it.”

The midfielder joined Liverpool after Chelsea chose to call off contract talks because of doubts about his fitness.

Joe Cole facing injury crisis during his career || Getty
Joe Cole facing injury crisis during his career || Getty

He joined Roy Hodgson's team at Anfield despite being a lifelong Chelsea supporter and wishing to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Although the transfer was perceived as a fresh start for Cole, it quickly became apparent that it was the wrong one.

Joe Cole struggles at Liverpool || Getty
Joe Cole struggles at Liverpool || Getty

He continued, “I had a choice between Liverpool or Spurs because Arsenal pulled out and I just couldn’t go to Spurs.

“If I could have my time again, I would probably go, ‘No, you know what, wait.’ And I’d have gone abroad, somewhere hot, because playing in the heat actually helped my knee. It didn’t work for me there but it is a fantastic club, an institution globally.”

Cole made only 42 appearances and five goals during his time at Liverpool as he battled to regain his form and health.

Meanwhile, Cole has weighed in on Chelsea's poor performance last season, including Nicolas Jackson's wastefulness in front of goal and has urged the club to have patience with the striker.

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