Joe Cole's 5 Greatest Chelsea Moments

After nearly 7 years with Chelsea, fan favourite Joe Cole seems almost certain to leave the club.

Contract talks have stalled and Cole has been unable to hold down a first place team this season. His likely destination is less clear. Manchester United, Manchester City and (heaven forbid) Tottenham Hotspurs have all been rumored as potential suitors.

If these are his final days with Chelsea, here are some of his finest moments.

vs Newcastle United 25/04/04

On the face of it, a goal scored in a 2-1 defeat seems highly irrelevant.

This goal, however, happened to be Cole's first for Chelsea.

Cole struggled in his first season with the club, starts were difficult to come by and finishes were even rarer for Joe.

His goal against Newcastle, however, following a good one-two with Lampard on the edge of the box, with a neat low finish into the corner, gave Joe the confidence many said he was lacking at the time.

vs Liverpool 03/10/04

Not a great moment for the goal itself, a fine deft flick from a Frank Lampard free-kick after coming on as a substitute, but for what occurred after. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho criticized Cole in the media for his lack of defensive responsibility.

Again, on the surface not a great moment. The argument, however, is that this moment made the man.

Cole saw an immediate, positive impact in his performances.

vs Manchester United 29/04/06

A moment of brilliance from Cole, confirming the talent everyone knew he possessed.

Surrounded by four Manchester United players on the edge of their penalty area, Cole danced through the defense before launching an unstoppable shot past Edwin Van Der Sar.

The goal effectively secured Chelsea's 3rd league title.

named Chelsea Player of the Year 07/05/08

In many ways, the 2007/08 campaign was one to forget for Chelsea fans. Runners up in the League Cup, Premier League and Champions League. A 'Special One' making their final exit through the Stamford Bridge gates.

Joe Cole provided one ray of hope, however.

Despite battling injuries, his consistent performances caused Chelsea fans to honor Cole with the team's player of the year award.

vs Manchester United 03/04/10

2009/10 has been a difficult season for Cole, he has struggled for first team football. Is he fully fit? Does he lack confidence? Perhaps he's distracted by all the contract speculation?

Who knows but if this is his last season in a Chelsea shirt, its hard to think of a more fitting final tribute than his goal at Old Trafford.

A low-cross from Florent Malouda, nonchalantly back-heeled into the goal, encapsulated what Joe Cole's Chelsea career has been about. Sublime talent and skill with just a little hint of cheekiness.