Chelsea Legend Joe Cole to Return as Club's Technical Academy Coach in 2019

Former Chelsea winger and midfielder Joe Cole will return to the club in 2019 as a technical academy coach.

The club announced the news via their official website on Friday.

Per the statement, Cole will work with several age groups for a period of six months while studying for his coaching qualifications. He has expressed "a desire to move into coaching" and this partnership appears to be geared toward that dream.

Chelsea writer Dan Levene applauded the move:

The 37-year-old discussed the opportunity, saying: "Looking to the future, I want to stay involved in the game and I feel I can offer a lot as a coach. To lend my experience to help other young footballers achieve their dreams, just like I did, is a big passion of mine."

A former England international, Cole played for the Blues between 2003 and 2010 before moving to Liverpool. He won three Premier League titles and two FA Cup trophies during his playing days, which came to an end earlier this year.

The Blues marked his retirement with a video showing some of his best goals in their shirt:

As a player, Cole was a dynamic attacking force at his best, but a string of injuries robbed him of his athleticism toward the end of his Chelsea tenure. Per Transfermarkt.com, he spent a lot of time on the sidelines.

The former top prospect, who was once regarded as the biggest talent in English football, ended up moving to the lower leagues and finished his career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a club below the MLS level.

The hardship he endured as a player should aid him well during his coaching career, especially in an academy role. Cole knows what it's like to be hyped as the next big thing and dealt with the highs and lows of professional football, something he can pass on to a new generation of stars.