Freddie Potts has sent an emotional farewell message to West Ham supporters after ending his 16-year association with the club to join Club Brugge.
West Ham confirmed on Tuesday that the 22-year-old had completed a permanent move to the Belgian champions for an undisclosed fee.
ReadWestHam reported after the announcement that Potts had officially left for Club Brugge, bringing an end to a journey which began when he entered the Academy of Football aged six.
Potts has now addressed supporters directly following his departure.
“For the past 16 years, West Ham has been all I’ve ever known,” he said.
He later added: “I will always be a West Ham fan before anything.”
Freddie Potts sends West Ham supporters farewell
Potts grew up supporting West Ham and followed his father, Steve, and brother Dan in representing the club.
He made his senior debut against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League in December 2021 before gaining valuable first-team experience during loans with Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth.
Last season finally brought regular opportunities in claret and blue, with Potts making 25 appearances under Nuno Espírito Santo.
His departure therefore represents more than another transfer from West Ham’s summer rebuild.
Potts had even captained the Hammers during pre-season and recently spoke about his desire to establish himself as a regular first-team player.
Instead, he will continue his development in Belgium after Club Brugge agreed a deal reportedly worth around £10million. talkSPORT reported that Potts will swap Championship football for a club competing in the Champions League.
Potts thanked the coaches, teammates, staff and supporters who played a part in his journey before describing himself simply as a boy who had been fortunate enough to fulfil his dream.
His time as a West Ham player has ended.
His connection with the club clearly has not.
