West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has revealed that he was “close to dying” after being involved in a horrific car crash back in December, while also confirming that he will ‘100%’ play football again.
Michail Antonio has revealed that he is “100%” certain he will play football again after being involved in a horrific car crash that left him “close to dying” amidst Storm Darragh back in December.
The Jamaica international was on his way home from West Ham training when his Ferrari, which he later admitted that he “didn’t feel safe in” prior to the crash, collided with a tree in Epping Forest.
It left the 34-year-old in the hospital for over three weeks with a “completely shattered” leg, having broken his femur bone in four places. He required an operation on the injury, where doctors “put a pole” in his thigh “with four bolts”.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Antonio said that he went to see the wreckage of his car at a scrapyard, stating: “It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realise how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me.
“The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children. It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”
Michail Antonio: “I Will 100% Play Again”
Now on the road to recovery, the forward has confirmed that he is already ahead of schedule.
“I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I’ll play again, and I know that once I’m playing the game I’ll get the sharpness back.
“I was one of the quickest at West Ham. So my body wasn’t the body of a 34-year-old before I had the accident anyway. I can still be sharp and still do the business.
“People have always doubted me. My mental strength is something that I’ve always believed in and this is just another setback, and it is not going to stop me.
“100%. I will play again.”
A beautiful reception for Michail Antonio on his return to the London Stadium â€ïžâïž pic.twitter.com/k1SOjPkxLG
â Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2025
Of course, at the time of the crash, Julen Lopetegui was the Hammers’ manager. He was sacked in early January however, and was replaced by former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
Antonio was initially concerned that he was unable to impress his newly appointed gaffer.
“That was horrendous for me. I’m not gonna lie, it was one of the hardest things for me, the fact a new manager came in and I wasn’t there to show what I can do, with my contract up at the end of the season.
“It was difficult for me at the time, but the only thing I can focus on is me and making sure I am right.
“One thing I have had to realise is that it doesn’t matter and I can’t rush myself and put myself out there when I am not right because it would make things worse.
“If I rush myself then that will be the reason I didn’t get a contract. As long as I make sure I am right then I know I will have done everything I can.”
Finally, Antonio said: “I like that people care enough to come and ask me the question [if he will play football again], so I don’t mind repeating it 1,000 times. The goal is to be back scoring goals.”
