Ben Johnson’s contract with West Ham United expires on June 30, 2024, and he will leave the team.

The defender joined the team at the age of seven, and over the course of 17 years, he has made 109 senior games in Claret and Blue, graduated from the Academy of Football, and won two Young Hammer of the Year awards.

The 24-year-old sent this heartfelt note after being a member of the team that won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023. Hi there to all of you.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone at West Ham United for helping me for the past 17 years and helping me become a regular member of the first squad.

I consider myself fortunate to have been able to play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups, and European competitions after graduating from the Academy of Football.

All I want is to be known and remembered for enjoying my football and playing with a grin during my time at West Ham. That is very significant to me.

Winning the UEFA Europa Conference League is, I think, my most treasured memory. It’s not often that one is involved in a European trophy victory, so being able to witness and participate in that with West Ham was amazing.

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.

I wish West Ham every success for the upcoming season under the new head coach and of course I’m going to miss all my teammates and the staff, along with the supporters.

West Ham will always be a part of my life which I’ll remember with fondness and a lot of love. I’ve developed into a young man and better player because of West Ham, so finally a huge thank you to the Club!

See you all soon.