Messages of love and support have poured in for West Ham United striker Michail Antonio after the 35-year-old posted a video on his Instagram of him learning to walk after his near-fatal car crash, which brought his season to a premature end.
In December 2024, the striker’s employers confirmed that he was in a ‘stable condition’ after a road traffic accident in the Essex area. The veteran centre-forward remained under close supervision at a central London hospital.
Antonio, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, had to be cut from his £260,000 Ferrari by fire crews – and he’s now posted a video of his inspiring story: his journey back to full fitness as he hopes to, one day, get back to doing what he loves.
west ham players
Antonio Posts Footage of Inspiring Recovery Journey
Declan Rice among those to send the striker words of support
michail antonio
The frightening accident occurred when, on his way back home from his side’s Rush Green training ground, the Hammers ace collided with a tree in Epping Forest and, on the same night, he underwent surgery on the broken leg.
In March, Antonio revealed his intentions of returning to the pitch. "I'm a good three months ahead of where I should be. I've lifted 130kg on the leg and I'm trying to do other things and just focus on myself,” he said, speaking in an interview with BBC One.
Michail Antonio Related
Michail Antonio’s First Words After Horror Car Crash Revealed
The West Ham striker has since undergone surgery following a road traffic incident that took place on Saturday afternoon.
Antonio has now posted footage – titled ‘Faith will overcome all challenges’ – of his painstaking recovery process. Opening with an image of the crash wreckage, the Jamaican is first seeing lying in a hospital bed before footage of him learning to walk emerged.
Initially, the frontman had to use a walking frame, all while supported by nurses to take his first steps. Heart-warming footage of a group of West Ham stars at his bedside was also included before a video of him entering the club gym on crutches.
Helped by the club throughout his entire journey, Antonio can be seen visibly wincing while doing exercises to strengthen the muscles in both legs. The touching montage of his return to day-to-day life concluded with his return to first team training.
The most heartwarming aspect of it all were the scenes at the London Stadium, West Ham's stomping ground, when he was introduced to the home supporter fans in March, just months after his near-fatal accident.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who played with the striker in east London, and a number of other professionals have commented words of support as Antonio eyes a return to the pitch. Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, both of whom know the striker on a personal level, also commented.
As things stand, Antonio's contract with the Premier League side is set to come to an end this summer, though, per Mail Online, it is believed that club chiefs have offered him a short-term deal so that he is able to regain his fitness.