Michail Antonio discharged from hospital after horror car crash with West Ham to hold talks over his future soon
MICHAIL ANTONIO has been discharged from hospital following his horror car crash.
The West Ham striker, 34, was London hospital and suffered a broken leg after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari near Theydon Bois, Essex, in early December.
West Ham have raised just shy of £60,000 for the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity as a thank-you for their support.
Antonio’s crash occurred in Epping on the way home from the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground and he underwent surgery on the broken leg that night.
Hammers players all wore shirts bearing Antonio’s name following their home win over Wolves, the first game following the crash.
Each of those, as well as the match-worn shirts, were signed and auctioned off to fans in order to raise cash.
The auction raised a total of £29,613 which was matched by the West Ham board, making a total of £59,226 to be split between the two causes.
Jarrod Bowen scored West Ham’s winner against Wolves and his shirt raised the most – selling for £3005.
The Hammers captain said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.
“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family.
Michail Antonio’s incredible rise
By Jon Boon
The outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.
The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.
After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.
However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.
Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.
“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”
Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.
He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.
Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.
The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.
He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.
“So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”
Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.
“And for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.
“Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team.
“I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.”
West Ham players and staff all went to visit their team-mate during his time in hospital.
Antonio is now recovering at home and will not play again this season.
The Jamaica international, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, is out of contract in the summer.
A decision is yet to be made over whether to extend his deal in order to cover the recovery, though discussions will take place in the near future.
West Ham previously extended Angelo Ogbonna‘s deal following a season-ending knee injury in 2021.