Carlton Cole wants to stay at West Ham United.

Cole was benched for victory over Southampton on the weekend.

"I don't want to leave," Cole told The Sun. "I've told the board that I want to stay for the rest of my career. I want to stay and help out the club anyway I can.

"Because Andy Carroll is here, it doesn't mean I am going to go. I've never been one to lie down.

"Andy's a great player. I see it as good competition having him here. It will be good for the club and for me because it makes me up my game and set my goals higher.

"By the end of the season you will see a different me and a different team as we'll be working well together."