West Ham United striker Carlton Cole admits he was unsettled by Liverpool's interest in the summer.
Liverpool were believed to have made two bids for Cole with £9m thought to be their final offer.
The striker admits that the uncertainty over his future influenced his early season form and West Ham's resulting relegation battle.
"The Liverpool talk and all the other rumours did affect me as a player because you never know where your future lies and it isn't always in your hands," he added.
"I've signed a deal now at the club that keeps me here until 2013 and that is my future."
