10 Chelsea Heroes Whose Careers Have Nosedived Since Leaving

3. Joe Cole

Most thought it was surprising that Chelsea were willing to let Joe Cole leave at the end of his contract without a fuss in the summer of 2010 - after all this was a man who was still just 28 years old, had played 280 times for the Blues and was the cause of consternation in the World Cup camp following Fabio Capello€™s decision to consistently bench him. It turns out Chelsea and Capello were to be proved right, as Cole€™s woeful performances at Anfield saw him score just three goals in 32 outings before he was chucked off to Lille on a loan deal for the following season. Following a moderately successful season in France, Cole returned to Anfield for six months where he continued to under-perform. Midway through the 12/13 season, former club West Ham took him home as the former Chelsea hero tried in a desperate bid to recapture his old spark. 37 dowry performances and just five goals later, the 32 year old wound up at Villa Park where he has made just a handful of appearances for the club. It has been a startling fall from grace for a player who was once England€™s automatic selection for the left-wing, and a terrorising prospect for any full-back in the land. The former Chelsea man scored 39 goals during his seven seasons at the club, including a priceless back-heeled opener in a potentially title-deciding victory at Old Trafford in April 2010. He finished his time at Stamford Bridge, having helped his team to three league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields.