Monopoly fan Aaron Cresswell continued his journey around the board of his Claret and Blue career as he passed 300 Premier League appearances for West Ham United on Boxing Day.
The No3 became just the second Hammer to reach the landmark in the 1-0 win at Southampton, before revealing that he had been gifted a special Cresswell-themed edition of the popular property trading board game for Christmas!
“Santa got me a personalised Monopoly board which is fantastic!” he beamed. “The Europa Conference League trophy is on it, Euston, Liverpool Lime Street and Ipswich railway stations, London Stadium and Upton Park – all the squares are related to things in my life!”
Not only did Cresswell receive a gift he loves, but he also enjoyed following his friend and long-time teammate Mark Noble in reaching his triple century of Premier League games.
The 35-year-old was introduced as a second-half substitute and showed his experience and versatility playing as a left centre-back, helping his side keep a welcome clean sheet and earn a hard-fought victory at St Mary’s Stadium.
While he may no longer be a regular starter, Cresswell is no Monopoly money, to use the figurative term referring to something not worth anything.
Instead, as a member of the Hammers’ leadership group, he is providing support to captain Jarrod Bowen and his teammates and providing an influential voice in the dressing room.
“I'm not getting any younger, but if the gaffer needs me for 20 minutes, if he needs me to start, or if he needs me to sit on the bench or in the stands, I'll be there and I'll give everything I've got for the Club,” he said, with typical modesty. “If I can do anything off the field to help the boys and try and get them in the right frame of mind, I'll be positive, It all comes together.
“I'm enjoying my time. I don't know when it's going to finish, but let's keep riding on.”
Cresswell also found time to praise matchwinner Bowen, who moved into second place in the Hammers’ all-time Premier League goalscoring charts with his 48th top-flight goal in Claret and Blue.
“He's our leader, he's our captain,” the defender enthused. “He's been fantastic. I think it's five years he's been here now. He never shies away from anything, is always up for the challenge and stands up to everything. He's been fantastic and long may that continue.”
