Latest news with #AaronCresswell
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cresswell ready for 'different' challenge at Stoke
New Stoke City signing Aaron Cresswell says joining the Potters will be "a different challenge" after more than a decade in the Premier League with West Ham but he is "ready to step up".The 35-year-old former England and Ipswich left-back agreed a one-year deal at the bet365 Stadium on 10 July following the expiration of his contract with the Hammers after 11 years of told BBC Radio Stoke it was an odd feeling getting used to a new club after spending such a long time in east London."It is, but that's football," he said."A lot of players might have four, five, six different clubs throughout their career and I was fortunate enough to stay at West Ham for 11 years but everything comes to an end."It's a different challenge joining Stoke and one I'm really excited about and looking forward to." This season will be Cresswell's first in the second tier since his final campaign with the Tractor Boys in he says he is relishing the chance to reacquaint himself with the division."I'm looking forward to the Championship," Cresswell added."In terms of competitiveness and toughness, I don't think there are many leagues in world football that are as tough."But I'm ready for the fight. I spent three years there with Ipswich and it's not an easy league."I'm not getting any younger but I'm more than capable of still playing - I managed to play nearly 20 games in the Premier League last year and until the day that hunger, that desire doesn't sit with me then I'll call it a day. "But I don't feel anywhere near reaching that level of giving up." Stoke a 'sleeping giant' Cresswell says he will try and pass on his experience to the club's other full-backs including Italy Under-17 left-back Laurence Giani and French defender Eric-Junior has already spoken to Giani while waiting at the airport travelling to the club's pre-season training camp in Spain."I had a coffee with him at the airport and had a 10-minute chat and I got to know him and it was nice," Cresswell said. "If he needs any advice or help I'll be the first to help him out. The same with Eric - if they need any support I'll be the first to help whether I'm playing or not."Cresswell also said he had had "plenty of chats" with boss Mark Robins ahead of signing adding he was "fair and tough and that's what you want"."You want an honest guy and he certainly fits that bill," Cresswell said. Stoke begin their latest attempt to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018 at home against Derby County on 9 August and Cresswell is sure the club have the credentials to get back to the top flight. "It's been a challenging few years for Stoke but it's a sleeping giant in terms of the fan base, the size of the club and the infrastructure," he said."Everything's there and I want to help in any way I can. "We want a successful season and don't want to be fighting relegation."I'm at the back end of my career now but am ready to step up. I want to be fighting for the first game of the season and I'll give it my all."
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Stoke sign former West Ham full-back Cresswell
Stoke City have made their fourth signing of the summer after agreeing a one-year deal with former West Ham left-back Aaron 35-year-old, who won three England caps, was a free agent after his contract with the Hammers expired at the end of last ex-Tranmere and Ipswich defender spent 11 years in the Premier League with the east London club, making more than 350 appearances and scoring 11 was a member of the West Ham side that won the Uefa Conference League in 2022-23 - the club's first major trophy in 43 deal at Stoke includes an option for a further 12 months and he joins his former Hammers team-mate Divin Mubama, winger Sorba Thomas and Ukraine defender Maksym Talovierov at the bet365 Stadium ahead of the new season. "I'm really appreciative of the opportunity to join Stoke City and I'm excited for the season ahead," he told the club website."I have been fortunate to work in environments of high standards and professionalism throughout my career. That's something which is ingrained in me and I will deliver every day.""Aaron's career speaks for itself, both in terms of his quality as a player and his character," Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters said."To have played almost 600 games at the level that he has says everything about how well Aaron looks after himself, how reliable he is, and how much trust managers have consistently placed in him throughout his career."
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Head has to rule heart for West Ham when it comes to Michail Antonio's future
There was a noticeable absentee during West Ham United's final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest. Many supporters arrived at the London Stadium on May 18 to bid farewell to stalwarts Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal following the news they would be leaving after the expiry of their contracts on June 30. But for those who intently scoured the dugout, they would have noticed the non-arrival of Michail Antonio, who was conspicuous by his absence. Advertisement It is pertinent to wonder if he opted against attending because he remained hopeful his 10-year spell as a West Ham player had not reached its course. At the time, the 35-year-old forward, whose deal also expires on June 30, was engaged in contract talks with majority shareholder David Sullivan and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. Although talks had reached an impasse, Antonio was optimistic there would eventually be a breakthrough. But there has been no significant progress and, on Monday, the London-born Jamaica international is set to be released. It would mark a sad end to his spell given his club-legend status. Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 and is their all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with 68 goals in 268 games. He ranks third in West Ham's history for the number of Premier League appearances (268), behind Cresswell (312) and ex-captain-turned-sporting-director Mark Noble (414). Antonio's last appearance for West Ham was in a 3-1 defeat by Leicester City on December 3. He hoped to extend his stay after his miraculous recovery from a serious car crash in December, when he was involved in a single-vehicle collision after the Ferrari he was driving struck a tree in Epping Forest. He underwent surgery on a lower limb injury and spent four and a half weeks recovering in hospital, returning to fitness ahead of schedule having initially been informed his rehabilitation would take 12 months. He was given a guard of honour by his team-mates when he returned to full training on May 5 but much to Antonio's frustration, the club's hierarchy has decided to go in a new direction. Antonio made an emotional return to the London Stadium in March before the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, and some supporters paraded banners as a mark of respect. Whatever happens next, he will be fondly remembered for how he reinvented himself as a striker under former manager David Moyes, memorably scoring four goals against Norwich City in July 2020, becoming the first West Ham player to do so since David Cross in 1981. There's also his quirky goal celebrations and his unselfishness when played at right-back under Slaven Bilic. Advertisement Antonio reached double figures in goals for four consecutive seasons, between 2019-20 and 2022-23. He remained crucial amid the club's perennial failure to find his replacement. In January 2023, the striker had interest from Everton, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Last summer, the club rejected an offer from Brazilian side Gremio for the forward. During West Ham's previous failed searches for Antonio's successor, there have been failed bids for Dominic Solanke, then of Bournemouth; Jhon Duran, formerly of Aston Villa; and Hugo Ekitike, back when the in-demand Frenchman played for Reims, among other forwards. Gianluca Scamacca, Jordan Hugill, Jonathan Calleri, Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Simone Zaza, Lucas Perez, Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti have come and gone, while Antonio has remained a fixture at the London Stadium, often entrusted with playing as a lone striker. 'It was always a journey with Michail, not just one moment,' former West Ham boss Bilic told The Athletic last year. 'When I was manager, the fans would always say: 'Let's sign a striker'. First, we brought (Simone) Zaza, then, after me, they signed (Sebastien) Haller, (Gianluca) Scamacca, but it was always Michail who was the first choice. 'What makes me smile the most is the fact that he's gone on to become a West Ham legend. They tried to say he was just a Championship player, but he's proved them all wrong.' Despite his longevity, Antonio's impending departure is the best move for both parties, with head coach Graham Potter aiming to kickstart a new era in 2025-26. The forward scored just one goal in 14 league appearances before his season was curtailed. Early on, when he was restored to the XI following Niclas Fullkrug's struggles with injuries, it was clear that Antonio's impact had regressed. Advertisement His sole goal came against relegated side Ipswich Town in October and following that match, in starts against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Arsenal, Antonio was often hooked early by former manager Julen Lopetegui. Another potential factor behind the hierarchy opting to let Antonio go is their focus on transitioning to a more youthful side. Last season, the average age of West Ham's team was the joint-oldest in the Premier League (28.8 years old, level with Everton). Of their 28-man squad, 12 players were aged 30 or over. Including Antonio, five of those will now search for new clubs. Antonio hopes his involvement with Jamaica in the Gold Cup will attract potential suitors. He made his comeback from injury as an 85th-minute substitute in Jamaica's opening group-stage defeat to Guatemala on June 17, before cameo appearances — from the 81st minute and 72nd minute — in subsequent games against Guadeloupe and Panama, respectively. 'From where he was after the accident to be playing and walking is a miracle,' manager Steve McClaren told reporters after Jamaica's first match. 'We're delighted because we need that kind of leadership. We'll build up his fitness as much as we can. It was good to get him minutes, although he didn't have the fairytale of scoring.' Although Jamaica have been eliminated from the competition, Antonio will be encouraged that he proved doubters wrong. 'It's a bit of a surprise being back so early, but something that I worked hard for and the graft that I put in to be here,' Antonio told the Jamaica Gleaner earlier this week. 'Hopefully, I can show everyone that I'm not just back, but I'm back and playing well. 'Before the very first game, preparing for it when being on the coach, I felt lost. Even in the changing room, some of my team-mates asked if I was alright because I was zoned out. But when the opportunity came to come on the pitch, my body felt ready.' Advertisement If Antonio departs, it will not be the ending he would have envisioned for his West Ham career. He may well have already prepared a heartfelt statement eulogising the fans and his team-mates for their unwavering love and support. He will duly receive an outpouring of love if his departure is confirmed. But when the tears have dried up and the dust settles before a new chapter, Antonio will be aware of the profound impact joining West Ham has had on his life and career.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
West Ham wait to make decision on Antonio's future
West Ham have delayed a decision on Michail Antonio's future as the forward continues his recovery from a serious car accident in December. The 35-year-old's contract expires on 30 June but the club say his "unique situation" means no formal decision will be made until the time is "right and appropriate". Antonio's Ferrari skidded off the road and struck a tree in Epping Forest six months ago, resulting in a broken leg which required a three-week stay in hospital. In a statement,, external West Ham said the Jamaica international will be listed as a free transfer for the purposes of Premier League procedure. The club added supporting Antonio through his recovery period was their "absolute priority". Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £7m, in 2015. He is the club's record Premier League goalscorer, scoring 68 goals in 268 top-flight appearances. Meanwhile, France international Kurt Zouma, 30, who joined the the club four years ago and is on loan at Al-Orobah FC in the Saudi Pro League, will leave West Ham at the end of the month. The club announced last month that defenders Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and striker Danny Ings will leave when their contracts expire this summer.
The Independent
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
‘No formal decision' on Michail Antonio future as West Ham announce retained list
West Ham are yet to make a formal decision on the future of Michail Antonio despite the forward being listed as a 'free transfer' on the club's retained list. Antonio's current contract is due to expire on June 30 and the Jamaica international is still sidelined after being involved in a car crash in December, which left him with a broken femur. It was announced on Monday that Antonio will appear in the Premier League's retained list as a 'free transfer', but West Ham's current priority is to help him on the road to recovery. 'Given Michail Antonio's unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate,' a West Ham club statement read. 'However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024-25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer. 'As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.' It had already been announced that Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings would depart at the end of their contracts this month. Ex-West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, currently on-loan to Al-Orobah of the Saudi Pro League, will also leave the club on June 30.
