Former England international Teddy Sheringham has joined Colchester United, reports BBC Essex.
The 41-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Layer Road after being released by West Ham at the end of last season.
Sheringham had been linked with a coaching role at the Championship club, who finished 10th last season, but that will not be the case.
"I still feel like I have something to offer. I want to play and have a burning ambition," said Sheringham.
"A couple of weeks ago I spoke to manager Geraint Williams and I was very impressed with his plans for the club and what he knew about me as a player and how he plans to use me during the season."
"We are delighted that Teddy is coming but he knows that it's not going to be just about him"
Sheringham has chosen to move to Colchester after talks with teams in the United States and other countries.
His agent Barry Neville had also quashed reports linking him with a move to League One side Bournemouth.
"It shows how well the squad did last year that Teddy is willing to come and play with them," said boss Williams.
"It is a pat on the back to the players and I'm looking forward to him coming to play."
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Sheringham, who has scored 273 league goals in 715 appearances for seven clubs, was awarded an MBE in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Williams hopes the players at the club will learn from Sheringham but says the new arrival will have to adapt to the ways of the club as it seeks to build on 10th place last season.
Williams added: "The players here did well last season and I think they will again this time around.
"We are delighted that Teddy is coming but he knows that it's not going to be just about him.
"He will be a key part of the squad and one of the team once we are up and running."
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