West Ham striker Michail Antonio has opened up about the harrowing experience of surviving a near-fatal car crash, stating, "I almost died" after his Ferrari collided with a tree on December 7, 2024. Reflecting on the traumatic event during a recent interview on BBC One’s Morning Live, he emphasized how close he was to losing his life, feeling he has been granted “another chance at life.”
The incident occurred when Antonio was driving back from training amid treacherous weather conditions due to Storm Darragh. He described the day as "windy, wet and horrific" and acknowledged having doubts about the safety of his vehicle, stating, "The back of the car kept swinging out on me, so I didn’t feel safe." Despite these concerns, he chose to take his new Ferrari to training because he felt too lazy to fetch bags from another car.
Shortly after the crash, which left him trapped for over 45 minutes, Antonio was found between the two seats of his vehicle rather than the driver’s seat. "It's weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told I was awake and was speaking to everybody—the police, the person who found me—but I don't recall anything," he expressed. His severe injuries included a shattered femur broken in four places, prompting immediate hospitalization.
Antonio spent over three weeks recovering from surgery to stabilize his leg. He described the procedures with precision: "They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts, so screws and bolts to knit it back together." Initially advised by his surgeon to avoid weight on his leg for three months, he later sought out a second specialist who encouraged him to start gradually putting weight on his injured limb. “We're working our way from 10% to 100% within three weeks,” he noted.
Throughout his recovery process, Antonio has worked diligently, committing to training six days a week. He voiced optimism about returning to football, confidently stating, "Yes, 100%. I will play again." With his history of overcoming adversity—from starting his career at non-league to becoming West Ham's all-time leading Premier League scorer—Antonio is determined not to let his unfortunate accident define him.
Despite his physical challenges, the psychological toll of the accident has also weighed heavily on him. The emotional realization of jeopardizing his ability to see his six children grow up has been particularly hard to process. "The most difficult part is I almost wasn’t there for my children. It just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life," he revealed, acknowledging the importance of therapy to help manage his emotions post-accident.
Antonio also encountered harsh criticism during this tumultuous time, particularly rumors surrounding possible substance abuse at the time of the crash. He was quick to clarify, stating, "I’ve never taken drugs in my life. I like to drink, but there were no drugs, there was no drink. That's been ruled out and confirmed by the police."
Returning to the pitch is pivotal not just for Antonio's career but also for his mental well-being. He received tremendous support from fans and teammates since the crash. West Ham paid tribute by wearing shirts bearing Antonio's name during their games, and he received heartfelt recognition during his first return to the London Stadium earlier this month. “The love feels good. I thank the club, the fans, and the emergency services. ... I like when people care enough to come and ask me the question [about my return].”
The team recently parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui, bringing Graham Potter on board. This transition added another layer of concern for Antonio as he navigates his recovery. "It was difficult for me at the time, but the only thing I can focus on is me and making sure I am right," he reflected, fully aware of the stakes involved as his contract is set to expire this summer.
Antonio, having just visited the scrapyard to see the remains of his Ferrari, described the experience as haunting. "It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realize 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." Such moments have reinforced his resolve to fight through the rehabilitation process and regain his former athletic prowess.
While he remains uncertain about exactly when he will return to competitive play—estimations for full recovery range from six to twelve months—Antonio's ambition is steadfast. He aims to rejoin his team not just operationally but as a key player once more, potentially reuniting with his Jamaica national team for World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September.
“I shattered my femur bone, the biggest injury I’ve ever had. But the fact I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be gives me hope,” Antonio said. "I’ve always been positive from this situation.” With unwavering determination, Antonio isn’t just focused on recovery; he’s set on returning to the pitch stronger than ever.
For West Ham and their fans, the hope remains strong. The message from Antonio is loud and clear: he’s not finished yet.
