West Ham United midfielder Joe Cole has revealed that he will begin studying for his coaching badges this summer.

The 31-year-old, who returned to the Hammers from Liverpool in January, has claimed that he is "passionate" about coaching, but intends to prolong his playing career.

"I love my football, I want to play for as long as I can," the London Evening Standard quotes Cole as saying. "There is nothing better and all the advice that I'm taking from the ex-players is to enjoy it because you're a long time retired. I'm going to do that but I'd love to give something back at some level to the development of players."

Cole came through the ranks at West Ham's academy.