LONDON (AP) — West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is determined to return to football after a near-fatal car crash that left him with a severely fractured leg. The 34-year-old Jamaican international was involved in a dramatic crash on December 7, 2024, during Storm Darragh, when his Ferrari skidded off the road and collided with a tree in Epping Forest.
The impact of the crash was severe, shattering his femur in four places and requiring an extensive surgery, where a metal rod was surgically inserted into his leg. Hospitalized for over three weeks, Antonio has made remarkable progress in therapy.
“Yes, 100%. I will play again,” Antonio confidently declared in an interview with BBC’s Morning Live. “It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my career. But the fact that 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.”
Antonio, who holds the record for West Ham’s Premier League goals, has been adamant in rejecting retirement despite the severity of his injuries. He explained that his recovery has included a regimen of strength training, even traveling to Dubai to maintain his fitness. “I’ve lifted 130 kilograms on the leg. Mentally, I’m in a good place too,” he noted.
However, the psychological impact of the incident has been profound. Antonio described the feeling of near mortality revisited after visiting the wreckage of his car at a scrapyard three weeks ago, stating, “It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realize how close I was to dying.” He revealed: “I almost wasn’t there for my children. That was the most difficult part for me.”
Revisiting the crash site painfully confronted the stark reality of the incident. “It was difficult for me,” he remarked, adding that seen pictures of the wreckage did not compare to witnessing the actual destruction. “The car was an absolute mess. It was 10 times worse in person,” he recalled, grappling with the emotional ramifications of his brush with death.
Expressing a strong sense of gratitude for life and family, Antonio described how the accident has changed his perspective: “It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”
Additionally, he addressed speculation that drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident, firmly denying any such implication. “I was literally on my way home from training. There was no way or no space for me to have any drink or any drugs,” he asserted. “I’ve never taken drugs in my life anyway.”
Having been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, Antonio emphasized therapy's importance, noting its role in helping him cope and process the crash's aftermath. He highlighted that everyone faces challenges and advocated for regular mental health check-ins at various life stages to combat potential crises.
With West Ham recently hiring Graham Potter as their new manager, Antonio faces the challenge of demonstrating his fitness for the coach’s squad amid his rehabilitation. He acknowledged, “It was something that I definitely had to bring up in therapy. That’s the opportunity to show [the manager] what you can do.”
Despite the hurdles, Antonio is focused on his goal of returning to the pitch. “I am 100% [sure] I’ll be back on the pitch. This is what I’m focused on, and this is why I’m in six days a week,” he affirmed. “Mentally, I believe so too because I never give up. I always push myself. This is just another setback and it’s not going to stop me.”
His determination resonates strongly with fans and teammates alike, who have admired his resilience and courage during this challenging period. Antonio's road to recovery is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and hope, leaving many eager to witness his return to the football field.
