Former Hammer Carlton Cole has signed for Celtic on a deal that runs until the end of June 2017.
The 32-year-old has been looking for a new club since he was released by West Ham this summer. He became a cult hero at the Hammers, taking a 50% wage cut in West Ham’s Championship campaign in 2011/12. The striker scored 15 goals in that season and was a pivotal figure in the play-off final against Blackpool, scoring West Ham’s first goal.
The striker is delighted to have signed for the Scottish giants:
“As soon as I arrived in Glasgow, everyone has been telling me how much Celtic means to them. The manager really wanted me here, I see this as a great opportunity to be at such a big club, I have been made so welcome.
“The club are in a great position to win trophies, they are a family club as well. Celtic was a no brainer for me. I didn’t need advice from anyone to sign, look around the world from USA to Australia – Celtic are everywhere.”
There were rumours that Sam Allardyce was eager to reunite with Cole at Sunderland but the striker has opted for European football over a relegation battle.
Celtic are in Europa League action tonight against Molde but Cole will not be available for European matches until the new year.