Carlton Cole took to social media to thank West Ham fans  for their messages of support after his last appearance in a West Ham shirt at the Boleyn Ground yesterday. His current contract expires at the end of May with no new contract on offer.

Carlton tweeted “Thanks for all the lovely msgs. West Ham have & always be a major part of me. Wherever my future may lie West Ham will be right there with me.Being a part of the West Ham family. Thanks for everything. I am so glad to have grown from a boy to a man at this club & I have enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve learnt so much about life here. I’ve had ups & downs, highs & lows on & off the pitch, trust me it’s not been as rosy as you may think it would be for a premier league footballer. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but one thing is for sure, your support has been invaluable to me and the team. Respect to you for always Sticking by us even when it seems hard to do that. Wherever my future may lie I will not forget the experience I gained by being a part of the West Ham family. Thanks for everything. COYI”

Cole has made 294 appearances in a West Ham shirt scoring 68 goals in all competitions between 2006-2015.