I can’t thank you enough.

That’s the message from Aaron Cresswell to everyone associated with Ipswich Town following his big money move to Premier League club West Ham.

Liverpool-born Cresswell arrived at the Blues from League One club Tranmere Rovers for an initial £240,000 in 2011. Last week the 24-year-old left-back was sold for a guaranteed £3.75m, the deal potentially rising to as much as £7m if various appearances clause are met, becoming the club’s first player to be signed and then sold for significant profit since Jon Walters in 2010.

During a rollercoaster three seasons at Portman Road, Cresswell started all but eight of the 146 competitive games played by the club. He played alongside 61

different players, scored seven goals and provided 24 assists.

“I just want to thank everyone at Ipswich Town – both gaffers (Paul Jewell and Mick McCarthy), the owner, all the staff, players and, most importantly, the fans,” said the full-back, speaking exclusively to the EADT from West Ham’s pre-season base in the south east of France.

“The fans have been first class with me and hopefully they understand that I had to take this opportunity. I was a bit wary of logging on to Twitter after the move was announced, but I’ve not had one single bad message.”

He continued: “Ipswich were the club that took a gamble on me and put faith in me. I wouldn’t be in this position now, preparing to play in the Premier League – something every young lad dreams of when they’re kicking a ball about in their garden – if it wasn’t for them.

“During my three years at the club there were ups and downs and it’s all contributed to me growing as a player and a person. I’ll always look out for Ipswich’s results and want them to do well.”

Sam Allardyce’s side will face Stevenage in a pre-season game tomorrow and then they visit Portman Road next Wednesday (7.45pm).

“I don’t know what the squads are going to be for those games yet, but it’s going to be great coming back to Ipswich so soon so I can properly say my goodbyes – both to the players, staff and the fans,” added Cresswell.