Michail Antonio completed an incredible comeback on Monday, playing his first minutes since a near-fatal car crash in December.
The Jamaica forward came on as an 85th-minute substitute in a 1-0 Gold Cup loss to Guatemala in Carson, Calif.
The West Ham forward said he "nearly died" when his car struck a tree in Essex, England on Dec. 7. He had emergency surgery on a broken leg and was hospitalized for more than three weeks.
Shortly after the accident, the 35-year-old forward vowed he would return to the pitch. Though Antonio didn't play for West Ham for the remainder of the season, Jamaica coach Steve McClaren still named him to his Gold Cup roster.
Antonio's contract with West Ham will expire at the end of this month. The Hammers will list the forward as a free transfer while also vowing to continue supporting him.
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"Given Michail Antonio’s unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate," a club statement read.
"However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.
"As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."
Antonio has played 22 times for Jamaica since his debut in 2021, scoring five goals.
The Reggae Boyz will finish Group C with matches against Guadeloupe and Panama.
Watch Antonio make return