Cole vows to make amends

Striker sorry for his arrest

Last updated: 29th September 2008

Cole vows to make amends

Cole: Apologetic

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West Ham striker Carlton Cole insists he will learn from his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

Cole put a difficult week behind him to score in Saturday's 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The former Chelsea man admits he let the club down after being arrested last week and he has thanked Gianfranco Zola for giving him the chance against Fulham to make amends for his misdemeanours.

"It hasn't been the best week for me but I will take my punishment," said Cole. "You can't do things like this. You can't do it and be a top player.

"These are all learning curves for me and I've learned my lesson. I won't make a mistake like this again.

Let down

"I let the club down and am sorry to the fans. I let my family down and so many friends and family have been worried.

"The club have been very supportive. Hopefully, I can play like I did against Fulham and try to get results for the club.

"The manager knows what I can do. He knows I have changed as a man and a player.

"I have had a discussion with him and the board. I've apologised for being stupid. I am not an alcoholic. Everyone will agree that usually I am the first one in and last one out at training."

Meanwhile, former West Ham defender John Pantsil as apologised to Hammers fans after he became involved in an exchange with Lucas Neill.

The Ghana international trod on Robert Green's hand to provoke an angry reaction from Hammers skipper Neill.

"We want to learn from our mistakes. Everyone is very down about the defeat. Playing 10 against 11 with them leading 2-0 was not easy," noted Pantsil.

"I accidentally trod on Robert's hand. I was trying to explain but Lucas Neill would not let me. I went for the ball and was late getting there. I slipped on the wet grass.

"I am very sorry I did not mean to do that. The West Ham fans were very good to me last season. I welcomed them to Fulham and I hope they can forget this. I still love them."