"It's not an ideal ending but I wouldn't change a thing, I've lived the dream," Cole told The Times newspaper.

The 37-year-old striker has enjoyed a sparkling 19 years of football with a total of 13 clubs, but his late 90s bout at Old Trafford was the most notable.

Cole netted 121 goals for the Red Devils, where he won five Premiership titles, the 1999 Champions League and two FA Cup titles.

The Nottingham-born forward, who has a stunning 289 career goals to his tally, represented England 15 times between 1995 and 2002.

New Chapter

Despite hanging up his boots, Cole declared that he is not yet done with football as he aims to remain in the frame.

"I've all this experience and I don't want to keep it to myself," he said.

"I want to give something back, I don't think this is the end of the Andrew Cole story. Hopefully it's a new chapter."