Louis John has thanked Sutton United for his time at Gander Green Lane after joining EFL League Two side Cambridge United.

The 24-year-old penned a two-year deal with his new team this week (May 21) after making 117 appearances in almost five years for the U’s.

John, who has also played for the England national team’s C squad, becomes Cambridge’s first signing this summer.

In a Twitter post, he said: “Where do I start! Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved at Sutton United.

“I’ve shared some unbelievable moments in my four and a half years at the club and those I’ll cherish for the rest of my career.

“Big thanks to Gaffa [Paul Doswell] and Bairdy [Ian Baird] for believing in me and helping become a man.

“A massive thank you to my teammates as well, a special group that have achieved some unbelievable history for the club!”

John went on to mention a few senior players in the squad for their ‘experience and words of wisdom’ which he said was ‘second to none’.

He added: “Also a big thanks to all the loyal supporters that have been there from the get-go and have showed me nothing but love in my time at the club!

“Over and out!”

The centre back, who also plays right back, was part of Sutton United’s promotion-chasing campaign this past season which in the Vanarama National League.

They automatically qualified for the play-off semi-finals, after finishing third in the league, but were defeated by Boreham Wood at home on May 6.

John scored twice for England's C squad during his debut against Slovakia at Gander Green Lane, a match in which the Three Lions would lose 4-3 in June 2016.

Boss Paul Doswell said: “On a personal note I’m really pleased for Louis. He has come on leaps and bounds particularly this season and it’s another feather in the club’s cap to add to the list of players that have moved in recent times to professional league football.

“He has worked so hard to achieve this move and hopefully he can progress even further. As one of Sutton’s own he was clearly liked by our supporters and I know he always appreciated the support he was given.

“As a football club we are proud of helping in his development over a number of years and this remains a core strategy.”

He believes it’s becoming harder to compete financially in the highest tier of non-league English football and thinks the development of players is ‘crucial’.

Doswell added: “As ever you still have to be good enough as Louis has proved this season.”

John made appearances in Sutton United’s youth and reserves system before spending time out on loan at other clubs.