West Ham new boy Cole: It was hard saying no to Redknapp at QPR

Cole completed his move from Liverpool to Upton Park this morning, signing an 18-month contract with Sam Allardyce’s side.

During his first spell at West Ham Cole was mentored by QPR boss Redknapp as he broke into the first team as a youngster.

Cole also had the chance to join the R’s this month, but while he admits he owes a lot to Redknapp, he says he couldn’t resist the opportunity to go back to where it all began.

He said: “That was the hardest thing for me, because Harry gave me my first chance and I will be forever indebted to him, but there was too much here at West Ham for me to say no.

“The only hard thing was turning down Harry because I love him and I would not be the player I was if it wasn’t for him.”

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce sees no reason why the former Chelsea man can’t push on and force his way back into the England set-up, but Cole, who has 56 caps for his country, is concentrating on getting back to his best for West Ham first.

“I need to get playing first, and probably will need three or four matches to get back to top level,” he said.

“I will always harbour those ambitions because I love playing for my country, but it will be down to performance.”