Carlton Cole has revealed that he accepted a 50% wage cut to remain a West Ham United player last season.

Following West Ham's relegation to the Championship, it was reported that the players that stayed at Upton Park were asked to have their salaries halved.

After the club gained promotion back to the top flight at the weekend, striker Cole confirmed the speculation.

"I've kept my mouth shut for quite a while but I did take a wage cut to stay in the Championship. Half of my wages just went," Cole told reporters. "But I thought: 'You know what? I want to help this club get back where we belong.'

"I didn't want to leave the ship, I am that sort of guy. I would not have been able to live with myself."

Cole joined the Hammers in 2006 from Chelsea.