West Ham ace Michail Antonio's spirits were high as he rallied his Hammers colleagues before their Premier League clash with Wolves on Monday evening, despite being hospitalised following a car crash in Essex the previous Saturday. The footballer's Ferrari was extensively damaged in the incident, leading Essex Police to [seek witnesses with dashcam footage.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/michail-antonios-first-words-after-30542619)
After undergoing surgery for a lower limb fracture on Monday, there were concerns that he might not make it back onto the field.
Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek spoke affectionately about Antonio, and confirmed his goal celebration in their 2-1 win was dedicated to the striker.
"Yes it was for him," he said. "I dedicated it to him, I said to myself that I want to score even more today. Antonio has been here since I came and he's been my favourite. It's tough not to play a long time without him. This is for him, he's a massive player and he's in my heart."
Describing the impact of the accident, Soucek said: "It was really tough. I was with the kids and I saw the information on my phone. I messaged everyone what I could on how he is. I wish him all the best, I was so scared as to what was going to happen.
"It was a tough week for us and his family. It's really tough but we are happy he came to the position he can be. We saw him before the game, we had a video call with him before the game. I was so happy, he smiled to us and he gave us all the best and so happy for him. I can't wait to visit him," reports [the Express](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1986680/Michail-Antonio-West-Ham-Tomas-Soucek).
"He's a lovely guy, so happy. He had a few jokes and wished us all the best. He's top scorer for West Ham, one of the best West Ham have had. This was great we saw him today, I wish him all the best. These things happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon."