• Premier League

Joe Cole joins French side Lille on loan

ESPN staff
August 31, 2011
Joe Cole has left for Lille on loan © Getty Images
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Former England midfielder Joe Cole has agreed to join French champions Lille on a season-long loan from current club Liverpool.

Aston Villa had reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to persuade Cole to stay in the Premier League and move to Villa Park, but Cole has opted instead for the opportunity to experience Ligue 1 and play in this season's Champions League.

"I wanted a challenge by going abroad. Lille are a magnificent club, a family club, who play good football," Cole said.

Liverpool have been active in the transfer window to date, with midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing all arriving at the club. And, having made just eight Premier League starts last season, Cole has more chance of first-team football with Lille.

"The club is pleased and proud that [we] have attracted a player of this magnitude," the French club said in a statement.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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