West Ham fans pay tribute to departing club hero

There haven’t been many West Ham players over the years that divide opinion quite as much as Carlton Cole.

The striker has his lovers and his haters amongst the fans. Some respect his passion, work rate and the contributions he has made to the club over the last nine years, while some appear to despise him because he’s not Lionel Messi.

The fact is that he’s never been our best player, but what he has been is a reliable and loyal striker for us over the years.

He’s scored important goals, played a huge part in memorable victories and give us some wonderful memories along the way.

And yesterday was his final ever home game at the Boleyn Ground, with the fans all giving him a deserved standing ovation when he was subbed off in the 70th minute.

Cole has always spoken of his love for the club, so you can image it’s quite a difficult time for him as he comes to terms with finally leaving the club after nine years of service.

And he took to Twitter this morning to thank the fans for their love and support over those years, as well as declaring his love for the club once more.

His comments were followed by so much love from the fans who took the opportunity to thank him for the memories he’s given us.

Here are some of the best tweets from this morning…

Thanks for all the lovely msgs. West Ham have & always b a major part of me. Wherever my future may lie West Ham will b right there with me.

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

I am so glad to have grown from a boy to a man at this club & I have enjoyed every minute of it. I've learnt so much about life here…

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

I've had ups & downs, highs & lows on & off the pitch, trust me it's not been as rosy as you may think it would be for a prem footballer…

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

It has been an emotional roller coaster, but one thing is for sure, your support has been invaluable to me and the team. Respect to you..

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

For always Sticking by us even when it seems hard to do that. Wherever my future may lie I will not forget the experience I gained by…

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

Being a part of the West Ham family. Thanks for everything. COYI

— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) May 17, 2015

Just want to say thank you for so many years of service to @CarltonCole1. You'll always be a legend in my eyes. Hero. #AlwaysBelieveIn

— WestHamWorld.co.uk (@WestHamWorld) May 16, 2015

Genuinely devastated that @CarltonCole1 is leaving. Good luck in the future, big man. #WHUFC #COYI

— James Jones (@ByJamesJones) May 17, 2015

https://twitter.com/DanielGMcCarthy/status/599865225635110912

@CarltonCole1 I love u so much it hurts

— OJ (@OJones_) May 17, 2015

He may not be a legendary player, but he stuck with through thick & thin, great character, great person, legend. Good luck @CarltonCole1!

— Read West Ham (@ReadWestHam) May 17, 2015

Here's my favourite @CarltonCole1 goal. I think must of you would agree with me! https://t.co/TexPw06S5U

— West Ham Vines (@westhamvines) May 17, 2015

https://twitter.com/CmonYouIronssss/status/599871075514736640

@CarltonCole1 thanks for everything Carlton, my favourite goal of yours, #AlwaysBelieveInYourSoul pic.twitter.com/9flm3d2LF3

— Tommy Tighe ⚒ (@TigheTommy) May 17, 2015

@CarltonCole1 I've just got one thing to say…… Thank you. #legend

— Charles Johnson (@charlesj1234) May 17, 2015

https://twitter.com/Pommy1406/status/599870442929696768

https://twitter.com/alfiegrant6/status/599881704350822400

Errrr Carlton is breaking my heart…

— West Ham COYI (@TheHammers_) May 17, 2015

Wherever destiny now leads you @CarltonCole1 – yesterday's standing ovation for you spoke volumes. All the best, big man!

— Michael McManus (@mcmaningtonhall) May 17, 2015

https://twitter.com/OwenWHU/status/599862153764548610

https://twitter.com/Gav74Lane/status/599874357943468033

Carlton Cole’s West Ham Record