West Ham star Michail Antonio posted an emotional statement on New Year’s Eve shortly after he was discharged from hospital following his car crash.
Antonio, 34, was involved in a car crash in Epping Forest, Essex on December 7.
The Jamaican international was taken to a central London hospital after being extracted from his £260,000 Ferrari.
He underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture, and has been ruled out of all action for “at least a year”.
Antonio was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve and is now recovering at home.
Michail Antonio Crash Update: West Ham Star Posts Statement
Michail Antonio posted a photo on Instagram where he is seen standing up with the help of crutches.
In his message he wrote: “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words.
“But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realise—I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.
“I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is.
“What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters.
“I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and allowing me to still be here.
“To the emergency services, the NHS, The Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. The medical team, The board, all of the staff, my team mates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.
“Lastly, to the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.”
Antonio’s Future
It is thought that West Ham striker Michail Antonio will not play football again this season.
Antonio, who is West Ham’s all-time Premier League top goalscorer, is out of contract in the summer. However, discussions over his future will take place soon.
Antonio spoke to his team-mates via video call before West Ham’s 2-1 win over Wolves last month. The squad wore shirts with ‘Antonio 9’ on them during their warm-up.
Since joining West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015/16, Michail Antonio has scored a club-record 68 goals in 268 Premier League appearances.
As a youngster, he also had spells at Southampton, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday. All of his former clubs have offered messages of support to the player.
