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Joe Cole, who struggled to make an impact at Anfield after his move to the Merseyside club at the start of last season, has joined French club Lille on a season-long loan deal, with part of the midfielder's high wages to be paid by his parent club.
The 29-year old former West Ham United and Chelsea midfielder, who moved to Liverpool on a free transfer, suffered a poor start to life in Merseyside, as he got sent off on his first appearance for the club, and things went downhill for the skillful player since, with Cole struggling with injuries and not managing to break into the first team when fit.
Hoping to recapture his best form that saw the player earn 56 England caps, Cole chose to join the French champions despite interest in the 11th hour from Aston Villa, with the Ligue 1 side's Champions League status possibly the motive. However, the move will still see Liverpool pay a part of Cole's massive £100,000-a-week wages, as Lille were unwilling to break their wage structure for a player with a patchy recent record.
The Reds though, are expected see the payment of part of Cole's wages as better than keeping the midfielder, who had become deadwood at the club.
The French side said in an official statement : "As the closure of the summer transfer approaches, Lille, Liverpool and Joe Cole have reached an agreement to take the English international.
"He has committed to the club for a season. With the arrival of England international Joe Cole, Lille have expanded their playing staff with quality and quantity. The club is pleased and proud that its project has been able to attract a player of this calibre."
If all goes well, then Cole could be facing the likes of Trabzonspor, CSKA Moscow and Internazionale in the Champions League from next month.
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