West Ham United is delighted to confirm that Aaron Cresswell has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club.
Already the Hammers’ longest-serving player, the 34-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him move into an eleventh season in Claret and Blue.
Signed from Ipswich Town in July 2014, Cresswell has been a key cog in the West Ham wheel over a decade that has produced many memorable moments, including the move to London Stadium, five top-ten Premier League finishes, multiple European qualifications and the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph.
East London is a home away from home for the Liverpool-born defender, who is looking forward to making many more memories in the capital after passing a decade down south.
“Ten years is a long time, and I’ve loved every minute of it here,” Cresswell told West Ham TV. “I’m delighted that I’m going to be here for at least another season. Me and my family are very happy down here. My son and daughter were both born here – my boy at Queen’s Hospital down the road in Romford – and he is West Ham mad.
“I think there are similarities between east London and Liverpool, in terms of the environment of hard work, commitment and giving everything you’ve got, and I like to think I’ve shown that during my time here.
“Every time I put the jersey on it means a lot to represent the Club. This year has been a bit of a change in role – I haven’t played as much, but I’ve been in football a long time to understand that there is a bigger picture than just playing every week. I’d like to think I’ve done that well when not playing, supporting the team and the lads.
“Of course, I still want to play and I wouldn’t have signed the contract if I didn’t think I was fit enough and healthy enough to still do a good job for the team. I’ve been fortunate with injuries in my career and I’ve always tried to do the right things off the pitch, by eating and sleeping well, training hard every day and trying to keep the standards high.”
With 349 West Ham appearances in all competitions, Cresswell has experienced his share of highs and lows alongside Irons supporters, with whom he has developed a strong bond.
And as he chases a 300th outing in the Premier League – currently just six games away from becoming just the second Hammer to hit that milestone after his friend Mark Noble – the three times capped England international is eager to build on a successful period under David Moyes, with Julen Lopetegui’s arrival as head coach this summer having been confirmed.
Cresswell added: “I wasn’t really aware of my numbers, but if I was to hit the 300-mark in the Premier League that would be a hugely proud moment for me and my family.
“It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m looking forward to continuing playing for the fans and giving everything for the Club. I’ve got huge respect for the supporters, who have backed me during the good times and the bad times.
“I’ll never forget when I got sent-off against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League [semi-final] two years ago, and not knowing what it was going to be like at Norwich in the next game. It was probably the hardest build-up to a game I’ve ever had, but the fans sang my name in the warm-up, which just put me at ease and showed their class.
“This Club means a lot to me and I’ll continue to make the most of every opportunity I’m given. We’ve built on our foundations in the past three or four years, and we’re in a good place now. Normally when there’s a change in management you’re starting at a low point, but we’re looking up, and we want to keep progressing.
“As a senior player, I hope I can assist the transition of the new head coach coming in, and help pull everyone in the same direction to ensure we continue building and heading towards where we want to be.”
Technical Director Tim Steidten said: “We are really pleased that Aaron has signed a new contract. He has been a fantastic servant for the Club over many years and brings great experience and quality to the squad.
“Aaron proved towards the end of the season that he is still capable of performing well at the highest level, but he also brings great value to the team and to the Club off the pitch. That is an important factor, especially during a period of change, and we know that he will make a hugely positive contribution in a number of different ways next season.”
Everyone at West Ham United is delighted that Aaron will remain with the Club and wishes him and his family all the very best for the 2024/25 campaign.
