Longevity is an attribute relatively seldom seen in the Premier League these days with departing West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell – over a decade’s worth of loyal service and 300-plus top-flight appearances – a relative anomaly in the modern game.
West Ham opted not to renew Cresswell’s contract heading into the summer.
As such, the Liverpool-born 35-year-old departs alongside Vladimir Coufal, Lukasz Fabianski and Danny Ings.
West Ham United’s 2-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Sunday was a London Stadium farewell for a man who first donned the claret and blue shirt all the way back in 2014 following his bargain arrival from Ipswich Town.
Ollie Scarles described Cresswell as an ‘inspiration’. A big presence on and off the pitch, even as the leaves turn brown and he enters his mid-30s.
Whether 19-year-old Scarles can ascend to the same heights as Aaron Cresswell did in his West Ham prime remains to be seen.
And Alan Pardew, who spent three years in the Upton Park dugout from 2003 to 2006, certainly feels that Cresswell will be missed in an era when loyal servants such as he and legendary captain Mark Noble are increasingly few and far between.
Alan Pardew pays tribute to West Ham United hero Aaron Cresswell
Between 2014 and 2025, the three-time England international made 365 appearances, contributing 11 goals and providing a highly-impressive 37 assists.
“He was outstanding, up and down that left-side,” Pardew reflects. “It’s great that a Scouse lad finds a home in the East End of London. The love over at West Ham is unique.
“I know he was one of those players that the fans took to. He was an exciting full-back. He scored ten [Premier League] goals for West Ham, but he created a whole lot more than that.
“Sad to see him go. It’s a sad moment. I remember when Mark Noble left, these footballers who have long stints at clubs, these are the ones you remember.”
Cresswell sends goodbye message to Hammers fans
Cresswell started only 14 Premier League matches in his final two seasons as a West Ham player. Once his pace started to diminish, the Conference League champion shifted from his rampaging wing-back role while looking more comfortable on the left of a back three instead.
Such a shift may have actually served to extend Cresswell’s time at the top level, though it remains to be seen if there will be any Premier League clubs willing to take a chance on a 35-year-old with considerable experience but also plenty of miles on the clock.
“I hope, one day, I’ll be sat in the stands watching West Ham back in Europe with the fans who have given me so much love and support,” Cresswell told the club’s official website in an emotional farewell message last week.
“I’d like to think I’ve gone out and trained the best I could every day, to the best of my ability, and that’s how I want to be remembered – for doing the right things.
“I really don’t know the right words to end on, but I think the one that stands out is ‘grateful’. To have been on this journey for eleven years, I’d like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who has helped me get this far, and helped me along the way. I am so grateful and appreciative.
“But I’m not closing the book. I’ll never walk away. Once you’re in the West Ham family, you’re in for life, and I’m sure I’ll be back.”
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