Well wishers - Colchester United have sent their best wishes to West Ham United forward Michail Antonio, pictured here in his U's days, after he was involved in a car accident in Essex on Saturday _(Image: PAGEPIX)_
COLCHESTER United have wished their former player Michail Antonio well after he was involved in a road traffic accident.
The West Ham United forward is in a stable condition following the incident, the Premier League club have announced.
The 34-year-old is conscious after being taken to hospital in London following the incident in Epping, Essex on Saturday afternoon.
> The thoughts of everyone at Colchester United are with Michail and his family. 💙
>
> — Colchester United FC (@ColU\_Official) [December 7, 2024](https://twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1865441483936927997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The update was issued after unverified images of a heavily damaged Ferrari began to circulate online.
A club statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.
"Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.
"At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.
"The club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course."
It was West Ham's second statement on the matter after an earlier one confirming an accident had taken place.
> West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.
>
> At this difficult time, we…
— West Ham United (@WestHam) [December 7, 2024](https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1865451254492578226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Essex Fire Service also confirmed firefighters had attended the scene and released a man trapped in his car.
A statement read: "Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car.
"In arrival, firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service."
A further statement from Essex Police added: "Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.
"We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.
"Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.
"The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene."
Antonio was only at Colchester for three months - but made a big impression during that time.
The winger made 16 league and cup appearances for the U's as a fresh-faced 21-year-old and lit up League One with his attacking flair and skill.
Antonio has gone on to have a fantastic career, in the Premier League.
Writing on social media, Colchester United said: 'The thoughts of everyone at Colchester United are with Michail and his family.'
London-born Antonio, a Jamaica international, is in his tenth season with West Ham after joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015.
He has scored 83 goals in 323 appearances for the club and helped them win the Europa Conference League in 2023.
Antonio began his footballing journey with non-League Tooting and Mitcham before moving into the professional ranks with Reading.
He has also had spells with Cheltenham, Southampton, Colchester and Sheffield Wednesday.
He made his Jamaica debut in 2021 and has scored five goals in 21 appearances for the country.
National team head coach Steve McClaren said: "On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery."
A number of West Ham's rival clubs have also posted well wishes.
A social media post from Arsenal read: "Everyone at Arsenal sends their love, support and well wishes to Michail, his family and West Ham United."
Chelsea said: "The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea FC are with Michail and his family."
A message from Liverpool read: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at LFC are with Michail and his family."
West Ham were not playing on Saturday but host Wolves at the London Stadium on Monday.