Carlton Cole bids farewell to West Ham United after the Club confirmed that the forward's contract will not be renewed

Hello everyone,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.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.If I could pick out my two most memorable moments, the Play-Off final and the two goals I scored when we beat Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup in 2010 are the two that everybody says that I played a blinder in and it would be fair to say I agree with them.I have enjoyed every game I have played for West Ham but all good things have to come to an end and I will be leaving.When I think of West Ham United I think of a family football club which has embraced me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.Thank you all.To watch this Carlton Cole’s farewell message for FREE, sign-up or log-in to My West Ham now