Farewell message from Johnson – Yahoo Sports

West Ham defender Ben Johnson says his “dreams were exceeded” when he was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa Conference League two years ago.

The 24-year-old, who came from the Hammers academy and made 109 first-team appearances, left the club when his contract expired on June 30.

In a message to fans on the club’s website, he said: “I have been fortunate to come through the Football Academy and play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups and European competitions.

“I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham for playing with a smile and really enjoying my football. That’s really important to me.”

Johnson, cousin of former England defenders Paul Parker and Ledley King, joined West Ham at the age of seven.

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

He added: “Being involved in winning a European trophy doesn’t happen often, so to be there and be part of it, and to be able to achieve it with West Ham, was incredible.

“My dreams were surpassed by what happened two seasons ago and I’m so happy to have done it as a West Ham player. I’ll never forget that night.”