Ben Johnson is leaving for Ipswich Town and has sent a message to new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui after a snub.
West Ham United have now officially confirmed what most fans already knew, Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama are leaving.
Academy graduates Johnson and Mubama were both at the end of their current West Ham contracts.
Utility defender Johnson and young striker Mubama have both snubbed previous offers of new Hammers deals.
In fact it was claimed that Julen Lopetegui had given West Ham the green light to make a third and final last gasp attempt to get Johnson to stay.
Hammers confirm double departure of academy graduates
Many felt the fact the Spaniard had shown that faith in Johnson might see him remain with the club he’s been at for 17 years.
But West Ham officially confirmed Johnson is departing along with Mubama – who has been linked with Sunderland.
Johnson is now expected to sign for newly-promoted Ipswich on a long-term deal.
That looks like a good and sensible move for Johnson, who was never likely to get much game time at West Ham regardless of who was the manager.
Before leaving the Hammers today, the 24-year-old has left a parting note to the club, its fans and staff.
In it Johnson has sent a message to new West Ham boss Lopetegui after his snub.
Johnson’s message to new West Ham boss Lopetegui after snub
In a touch of class, Johnson has wished Lopetegui well despite rejecting the late attempt to get him to stay at the London Stadium.
There was also a big hint he is definitely moving to another Premier League side.
“Thank you to everyone associated with West Ham United for supporting me over the last 17 years and developing me into a first-team player…” Johnson told the club’s website.
“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.
“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!”
Classy Johnson will get warm reception on West Ham return
That kind of attitude will go down really well with West Ham fans. And when Johnson faces his old side he will certainly get a good reception.
Despite snubbing the club’s offers of new contracts, relations seem cordial enough from the Hammers to Johnson and Mubama.
The club have posted an article thanking both for their contributions as their departures were confirmed.
West Ham highlighted the fact both were part of the squad which ended the club’s 43-year major trophy drought last summer.
“West Ham United would like to thank Ben and Divin for their hard work and commitment during their careers in Claret and Blue and wish them the very best in the future,” a club statement reads.
They say once a Hammer, always a Hammer.
So supporters will undoubtedly keep an eye out on their progress.
And time will tell whether West Ham were right not to buckle to the reported demands of the duo and their agents.