Mikel Obi hosts Joe Cole on his podcast
Former Nigeria international and Chelsea star Mikel Obi has hosted Joe Cole on his ObiOne podcast. The Englishman bared his mind on his career.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole has expressed regret over his move to Liverpool, reflecting on how injuries derailed his career after leaving Stamford Bridge.
Cole, who joined Liverpool in 2010, struggled with injuries that significantly impacted his performance. He suffered a severe knee injury in January 2009 while playing in the FA Cup against Southend United. The injury, which affected his ACL, PCL, and MCL, kept him sidelined for 11 months and marked a turning point in his career.
In a recent appearance on “The Obi One Podcast,” Cole admitted his regret about joining Liverpool. “I was never the same player after that,” Cole said. “I did 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.”
Despite being a lifelong Chelsea fan, Cole had to leave after the club decided not to renew his contract due to concerns over his fitness. He joined Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool, with a choice also available at Tottenham Hotspur, which he declined.
Reflecting on his decision, Cole noted, “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.”
During his time at Liverpool, Cole made only 42 appearances and scored five goals, struggling to regain his form and fitness.
