West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui says it is a "miracle" that Michail Antonio survived a horrific car accident.
Antonio sustained a serious leg injury and underwent surgery on Sunday morning, with the forward expected to remain in hospital for several more days. The 34-year-old spoke with his West Ham team-mates via video call ahead of their 2-1 win over Wolves on Monday and Lopetegui offered an update on his condition after the match.
"It has been very tough for all of us, but much more for him and his family," Lopetegui told Sky Sports. "Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the pictures of the car. There are more important things: the dad, the brother, the son that he is.
"This is more important about Mic. We are happy because he has overcome the surgery. After, let's see. We talked with him today. The most important thing is he was a miracle."
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Goalscorer Tomas Soucek also dedicated his goal to Antonio and revealed he was in good spirits when the team spoke with him ahead of the match. "The goal was for him. I dedicated it to him," Soucek said.
'I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today. He's been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him.
"He is a massive player and he is in my heart. It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone. I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was. I was so scared what was going to happen.
Michail Antonio of West Ham United
Michail Antonio is recovering from a horrific car accident
"It was a really tough week for him, his family and us. We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game. He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him. He is a really lovely guy and also funny.
"He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best. He is West Ham's all-time leading scorer. He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had. He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon."
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