15 Ex-Premier League players you didn’t know were still active

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Frank Lampard of Chelsea in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Stamford Bridge stadium on April 8, 2014 in London, England, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Frank Lampard of Chelsea in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Stamford Bridge stadium on April 8, 2014 in London, England, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Was never good enough Chelsea

Carlton Cole bullied his way into Chelsea’s first team in 2001-02 season after scoring an astonishing 37 goals for the Blues youth and reserve team. He would later make his debut in April 2002, in a 3-0 win over Everton, he was just 18-years-old.

Standing over 6ft tall, Cole’s uncanny ability to turn and beat defenders with his incredible pace alongside his finishing prowess made him a house hold name. Comparison to Chelsea’s legend, Peter Osgood was the highest praise the former England international would ever achieve in his career.

After bouncing around Premier clubs for several years, the ex Hammers joined United Soccer Club Sacramento Republic on August 9, 2016.