Cole began his career as an Arsenal junior

Former England striker Andrew Cole says joining Nottingham Forest is the perfect way to end his career.

Cole has won every major domestic honour over 19 years which have seen him play for a host of top clubs including Manchester United.

"It was too good to turn down. I'm like a kid in a sweet shop," Cole, 36, told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"I said if I could do one year at my hometown club it would be ideal, and it would top my career off."

Cole becomes Colin Calderwood's fourth signing of the summer, and will be hoping to link up well with fellow new-signing Robert Earnshaw, and current Reds striker Nathan Tyson.

"It was too good for me to turn down. The club's got so much history.

"I remember when I was a kid and they won the European Cup. I remember watching a few games. It's going to be special."