West Ham United have announced that midfielder Joe Cole has completed a free transfer from Liverpool and has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract.

The 31-year-old has been expected to sign a deal at Upton Park following reports that he had completed a medical at his former club yesterday.

"It is a great move for me," Cole told the club's official website. "Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on. This is where I learnt my trade and I'm happy to have another chance to be here.

"I've always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons. The timing was right for me to come back and I'm happy. I'm back in London and I'm delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact."

Cole, who struggled to force his way into the first team at Liverpool, will wear the number 26 shirt.