The former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back made the announcement on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday this afternoon.
After coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal, he made a controversial switch to Chelsea in 2006 before finishing his career with spells at Roma, LA Galaxy and finally Derby.
He will now pursue a career in coaching.
He said: “After hard thinking and consideration, it was obviously time to hang my boots up.
“I can look forward to my next chapter which will hopefully be coaching. I’m doing a course at the moment.”
He made 697 club appearances, winning 13 major trophies including three Premier Leagues and the Champions League.
Cole also notched up a total of 107 appearances for England, with only five players representing the Three Lions on more occasions.
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