Former Blue Aaron Cresswell was pleased to have the opportunity to return to Portman Road to say goodbye to his old fans and team-mates with his new West Ham side, who drew 0-0 with Town in a friendly last night.

“I think it was two weeks ago I left, so it was nice to come back and get a nice bit of applause and see some familiar faces, everyone who I’ve seen over the last few years,” the 24-year-old left-back said.

“It all happened so quickly within the space of a day, so I didn’t really get to say my goodbyes. I class the players here as my mates, all of them.

“I’ve been with most of them for three years, so it was sad to leave. It was good to see them tonight and say my proper goodbyes.”

Cresswell played the first 45 minutes of last night's match and came close to scoring a goal when his chip deflected over Blues keeper Dean Gerken and onto the bar.

“I don’t think Deano would have been too happy! I don’t think I ever chipped him in the three years I was here,” he laughed.

“It was just one of those things. If it had gone in I think Deano would still have been chasing me round here now. I enjoyed it out there tonight.”

He says he’s settling into life with the Hammers and admits that joining a Premier League club is a dream come true: “We’ve just come back from France, we played a game against Stevenage and then we go to New Zealand tomorrow for 10 days. The lads have been great with me and I’ve settled in nicely.

“You ask any player in any other league, it’s everyone’s dream to play in the Premiership and hopefully I can do that this year, get my head down and see where I stand next year.”

The games he’s most looking forward to this season are those against his hometown club: “I grew up in Liverpool, I supported Liverpool as a boy.

“It’ll be a good day out for the family and a proud one for the family as well. But I’m going to take each game, starting in pre-season, as it comes.”

Looking back on his time at Town, he says he has great memories: “I had some ups and downs here, but I loved every minute since I came here until I left. The highlight? I’d say the Crystal Palace goal!”

Photo: Action Images

Sospiri added 02:37 - Jul 17 I'd forgotten that he'd be coming to NZ now. May go to that game after all.
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Sindre94 added 02:43 - Jul 17 All the best Cressy. Can't fault him for the move but I can see us going up this season and it's not unthinkable that Hammers will get relegated, that would be some story! Same thing happened with Harry Forrester and the Brentford-Donny move, where Forrester moved to Donny who got relegated the following year and Brentford went up. I wouldnt complain if that happened, not the biggest West Ham fan to be fair :)

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tractorboyupnorth added 08:00 - Jul 17 Farewell Cressy, its been a privilege to have you aboard all the best at West Ham, now I have reason to watch em. An ITFC Gent to last!
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tractorboyupnorth added 08:01 - Jul 17 That's an ITFC Gent to the last!
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KiwiTractor added 09:28 - Jul 17 Cressy look me up after the game in Wellington and I'll let you take me out for a beer!
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Solly added 09:28 - Jul 17 What a hit son. What a hit.
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TractorCam added 12:04 - Jul 17 Was good to see him in action for a final time, best of luck to Cressy in the prem!
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harlingblue added 00:56 - Jul 18 Good luck Cressy you did us proud, I wish you all the very best in your new Prem adventure, hope meet in that same league next year!
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LWNR2013 added 22:40 - Jul 18 Almost a legend here. No regrets and good luck!
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