Aaron Cresswell snubs Declan Rice as he names his top five West Ham stars
Aaron Cresswell Reflects on 11-Year West Ham Journey as Departure Confirmed
Aaron Cresswell is set to bid farewell to West Ham United after 11 memorable years, with his final appearance fittingly taking place at Portman Road against his former club, Ipswich Town. Ahead of the season finale, the veteran defender has been looking back on his time in east London.
Despite speculation that the club might extend his contract for another year—especially given his solid performances under Graham Potter—West Ham made the surprise decision to part ways with Cresswell, along with Lukasz Fabianski and Vladimir Coufal.
Cresswell Leaves as One of West Ham’s Best Bargains
Signed from Ipswich in 2014 for just £3.5 million, Cresswell proved to be one of the best-value signings of West Ham’s Premier League era. Over more than a decade, he has seen countless players come and go—particularly during last summer’s overhaul which saw 21 squad changes—but he remained a constant presence.
Now 35, the Liverpudlian has become something of an honorary Londoner and one of the club’s most familiar faces.
An Emotional Farewell
Ahead of his final game, Cresswell shared a heartfelt video message with fans in which he was visibly emotional, expressing his sadness at leaving the club he’s called home for so long. Former teammate Declan Rice led the tributes to the departing defender, while many fans and former players—including Anton and Rio Ferdinand—felt Cresswell deserved a testimonial match.
Though disappointed, Cresswell seems to have accepted the club’s decision and instead chose to celebrate his time at West Ham by highlighting the players who impacted him the most.
No Mention of Rice in Top Five Picks
In a surprise move, Cresswell did not include Rice in his list of the top five players he’s played with at West Ham. Instead, he named Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio, Winston Reid, Dimitri Payet, and Mark Noble.
Reflecting on his early days at the club, he credited Noble and Kevin Nolan for helping him settle in and understand the culture of West Ham.
“I think Nobes and Kev were key for me when I first arrived,” he told the club’s official site. “They showed me what it meant to represent this club, and that’s something I’ve tried to pass on as I’ve grown older.”
A Nod to Unsung Heroes
Explaining his picks, Cresswell praised Snodgrass’ exceptional left foot, Antonio’s power and pace, Reid’s defensive prowess, Payet’s attacking brilliance, and Noble’s leadership.
While Snodgrass might seem an unexpected choice to some, Cresswell clearly values both talent and character in his selections. Antonio, like Cresswell himself, is widely seen as a fantastic value signing, while Reid remains a “what could have been” figure due to injuries.
Payet and Noble, of course, are among the most celebrated Hammers in recent memory.
As Cresswell prepares for his final outing in West Ham colors, fans will no doubt remember him as a loyal servant and a key part of the club’s recent history.
