Defender Aaron Cresswell was full of emotion after representing West Ham United for the final time at London Stadium against Nottingham Forest.
After eleven years and close to 370 appearances, the 35-year-old is set to leave the Club when his contract expires at the end of next month, and his exceptional service was duly acknowledged ahead of kick-off when he was applauded by the supporters and presented with a framed shirt by Sporting Director and close friend, Mark Noble.
Still a key component of the playing squad in the latter stages of 2024/25, Cresswell started and completed just under an hour of the narrow 2-1 defeat to Forest, before being given a standing ovation by all inside the ground when he was replaced by Edson Álvarez.
At full-time, Cresswell took a moment to reflect on such a poignant day, which ended with him and his teammates being joined by their families for a lap of appreciation, when he was given another great reception.
After featuring in his 368th West Ham clash, Cresswell said: “I’ve had a fantastic career here, and it’s been eleven years of ups and downs. I’ve enjoyed the lows and the highs, and I’m just grateful for every moment I’ve had.
“The obvious high was winning the [UEFA Europa] Conference League, which was long overdue for this Club, and once you’re a Hammer, you’re always one, so I’m sure I’ll be back at some point, once I’m gone.
“The main priority today was trying to win the game, and I was fully concentrated on that going into it. Then, after, it’s more about reflection. I’m just very grateful for every time I’ve been able to pull on this great jersey, and every time I’ve worn it I’ve done it with pride and given everything I’ve got.”
On the pitch, the Irons found themselves on the back foot when Morgan Gibbs-White profited from a defensive mistake to make it 1-0 to the visitors early on, and then Nikola Milenković doubled their advantage with an effort that came off his shoulder just after the hour.
Jarrod Bowen did pull a goal back with a stunning volleyed strike four minutes from the end of normal time, and though there were 16 minutes added on, Forest managed to stand firm to seal the full share of the spoils.
Cresswell continued: “I just think we struggled to really get going. The first half was a bit sticky, and from our point of view the goal we conceded was a sloppy one.
“In the second half I thought we grew into the game, but ultimately we just couldn’t get that second goal we needed. It’s been a tough season overall, and I am disappointed we couldn’t get a good result today.”
A trip to Cresswell’s former club Ipswich Town is the sole West Ham fixture remaining this season, and our No3 is clear he is focused on signing off on a positive, by helping the team to a victory that would yield some momentum ahead of the summer.
He added: “There’s one game left, and we’ll be doing everything to get a win for the team, who I think have a lot of exciting times ahead.
“The manager will be looking to do business in the summer, and I wish everyone here all the best, because the fanbase and the support is incredible.
“To the fans, I would like to say a big thank you for everything over the years I’ve been here. We’ve got one more game ahead next week, and then I’ll be watching on away from the Club, for sure.”
