West Ham United

West Ham defender Ben Johnson, 24, has posted a message to fans, external on the club’s website following news that he will leave London Stadium at the end of his contract, which finishes today (30 June).

“I have been blessed to have come through the Academy of Football and to play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups and in European competitions,” wrote Johnson, who made 109 first-team appearances for West Ham, making his Premier League debut in the 2018-19 season.

“I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham for having played with a smile on my face and having really enjoyed my football. That’s really important to me.”

Johnson, who is the cousin of former England defenders Paul Parker and Ledley King, joined the West Ham academy aged seven.

The full-back was part of the squad that won the Europa Conference League in 2023, which he described as his “most special memory”.

He added: “To be involved in a European trophy win doesn’t come around frequently, so to be around and be part of it, and to be able to achieve that with West Ham was incredible.

“My dreams were exceeded by what happened two seasons ago and I’m just so, so pleased I did it as a West Ham player. I’ll never forget that night.”

Image source, Getty Images