Wednesday 4 May 2016 14:43, UK
Joe Cole is set to leave Coventry City at the end of the season for a move to the United States with Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Coventry boss Tony Mowbray has confirmed the 34-year-old will sign with the North American Soccer League (NASL) side when his contract expires in the summer.
The former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder moved to the Ricoh Arena on a free transfer from Aston Villa in January after a loan spell with the club, but has told Mowbray he will be leaving the club.
"Joe's going to join Tampa Bay and it might happen pretty quickly if he can get international clearance etc," Mowbray told the Coventry Telegraph.
"I would have liked to have kept Joe who I think has proven his fitness and worth to the team. He's a fantastic character around our building - no airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off.
"He's a top guy and he has shown his football ability. It's come probably a little bit late in the day that I have felt as if I could trust him to play in the centre of midfield alongside John Fleck.
"I think Joe can help us control football matches but he's made his decision for his family, I think, and we wish him well because he's been fantastic for our dressing room and this football club."
Cole won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his eight-year spell at Chelsea and made 56 appearances for England.
Mowbray did add that Cole is open to the idea of returning to the Sky Bet League One club on loan next season when the NASL campaign finishes.
"He's indicated to me that when their season finishes in October that he might come back here because there's a window of opportunity for him to come back on loan," Mowbray added.
"I said that would be great but it will be dependent on how many loans we have got at that time, of course, so let's see what happens. It could be October to February. Let's wait and see how he does, if he stays fit."
