Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reaffirmed his commitment to the club - and says he is "very impressed" with manager Roy Hodgson's plans.
Gerrard - along with Fernando Torres - has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Real Madrid said to be among his suitors.
But after Hodgson revealed the midfielder had played a key role in luring Joe Cole to the club, Gerrard says it will be "fantastic to play alongside him in a red shirt for Liverpool".
He added in the Liverpool Echo: "It is a great signing for us. I know Joe well through the England set-up and have seen first hand just how good a player he is.
"I've told him what a great club this is and I'm sure Joe's the sort of exciting talent our fans will love to see."
Of his own future, he said: "I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family.
"I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so, I'm very impressed with his plans for the future."
