West Ham have made a major announcement about Michail Antonio hours before the Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
West Ham take on Newcastle in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Monday night.
It is a big game for both sides in the context of their respective seasons.
The Magpies are under pressure to beat the Hammers after falling out of the European spots.
West Ham meanwhile are looking to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce.
Do that and Graham Potter’s side will jump up to 13th, increasing hopes of a top half finish.
In fact West Ham will close to within eight points of Newcastle with victory.
Finishing in the top half will be worth an extra £15m to West Ham.
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And that is huge given Potter needs every penny he can get for transfer funds this summer.
One area the Hammers boss needs to strengthen more than anywhere else is up front.
Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images
Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images
West Ham make major Antonio announcement for Newcastle
Danny Ings will be leaving as his contract expires.
Niclas Fullkrug would have been sold in January had he not picked up his latest injury.
New West Ham signing Evan Ferguson is not expected to sign permanently either.
West Ham then face a big decision on what to do about Michail Antonio.
Now, hours before kick-off in the game, West Ham have made a major Antonio announcement for the Newcastle clash.
Not even 90 days have passed since Antonio was pulled from the harrowing wreckage of his silver Ferrari at Epping Forest.
The Hammers and Antonio have since admitted he is lucky to be alive.
The great and good of football – including classy Newcastle United – sent their wishes to the Hammers and the stricken striker at the time.
Antonio suffered a broken limb in the crash. That was the least of his concerns as the father of a young family of course.
With Antonio turning 35 in March, it was assumed by many he would never play football again.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Hammers release Antonio statement ahead of Magpies clash
Certainly not at the top level with West Ham, where his contract expires at the end of the season.
But Antonio has done things the hard way in his career, rising from non-league to the Premier League.
So write West Ham’s history maker off at your peril.
Hammers News revealed last month that Antonio is targeting a miraculous West Ham return by May.
Pictures showed the forward looking ridiculously strong back in gym training recently.
Now fans will get to see him for themselves.
Because the Hammers have released an official statement to supporters ahead of the game against Newcastle.
West Ham have revealed they will be welcoming Antonio back for the game.
The striker will be pitchside to receive what is sure to be a rapturous reception from West Ham and Newcastle fans.
The Hammers have also revealed a fan group will be displaying a banner dedicated to Antonio ahead of kick-off.
As a result supporters are asked to take their seats earlier than usual.
“We’re welcoming Michail Antonio back to London Stadium tonight as he makes a pitchside appearance before the Newcastle game,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Ironworks Alliance are displaying a banner in the Bobby Moore Lower to show our support for our No9.
“Please be in your seats before 7.50pm to participate.”
Antonio, Antonio, Antoniooooooo.