Better than Messi: Joe Cole joins Coventry five years after Liverpool captain's claim

Joe Cole has made just one appearance for Aston Villa this season

JOE COLE has joined League One Coventry on an emergency 35-day loan deal.

 

Cole joins the club from Aston Villa after falling well down the pecking order under manager Tim Sherwood.

"I'm sure he'll have a fantastic impact," said Coventry boss Tony Mowbray.

"I've met with Joe. He has watched us play several times this season. He likes the way we play and has shown a real enthusiasm to come."

Welcome to #CCFC Joe Cole, yes actual Joe Cole. Seriously, Joe Cole. The real Joe Cole. http://t.co/exmbDxIbyu pic.twitter.com/ZVGwqjqrSg

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) October 16, 2015

The 33-year-old will officially join the club on Monday and is expected to be in the stands as the Sky Blues take on Blackpool at the Richo Arena tomorrow.

The move marks a spectacular fall from grace for a player who was once one of the country's hottest prospects.

He has made just one appearance this season, as a substitute in the Capital Cup against Notts County.

After breaking onto the scene as a youngster at West Ham, the then England international became one of the first signings of the Roman Abramovich era at Chelsea.

 

Manager Claudio Ranieri paid £6.6million to to bring him to Stamford Bridge, where he made more than 180 appearances.

He moved to Liverpool on a free transfer in June 2010 but struggled to settle and his career spiralled spectacularly.

After an encouraging stint in France with Lille, he re-signed for the Hammers but was released before joining Villa.

And he has not been able to hold down a place in the first team since.

Former team-mate and captain at Liverpool once claimed: "(Lionel) Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better."