West Ham United have wished Michail Antonio ‘best of luck for the future’ as a top David Sullivan ally speaks out to all but confirm he is leaving.
After nine years, 323 appearances, 83 goals, 35 assists, a major trophy and some of the most memorable celebrations the Premier League has seen, Michail Antonio looks set to leave West Ham.
That’s according to a new communication from the club via a top confidant of majority owner David Sullivan.
Sunday felt like it might be the end for West Ham and their hero for all occasions and all positions Antonio.
Antonio recently admitted he could be set to leave West Ham as he recovers from breaking his leg in four places during that horrific car crash at Epping Forest in December.
The Hammers have long been considering handing Antonio a new deal dependent on his recovery from the injuries.
Fairytale nine years at an end for West Ham and Antonio?
But Graham Potter has also shown a ruthless streak in the way he waved goodbye to Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Vladimir Coufal despite the feeling among some they should get new deals.
West Ham did not make any decision on Antonio with Potter describing his situation as ‘unique’.
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The problem with that is Hammers fans and the striker did not get the chance to say a proper farewell to one another should Antonio depart when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Antonio was however brought out onto the pitch at the London Stadium to receive an ovation before the game against Newcastle in March.
But The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas stated recently that a contract extension for Antonio was looking increasingly unlikely.
West Ham’s leading Premier League goalscorer said the ball was in the club’s court over extending his contract.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
But it emerged yesterday that talks between the Hammers and Antonio over a new deal have collapsed.
Now there has been a further development overnight.
West Ham offered the forward, who turns 36 next season, a new short-term contract on reduced basic wages, with appearance-based incentives tied to his fitness.
But it was claimed talks ground to a halt with Antonio’s camp now weighing up many ‘other offers’ and holding out for a longer-term deal with more guaranteed money.
Hours after that news emerged Antonio took to social media to share a tear-jerking video charting the last six months from the wreckage of his Ferrari to his often difficult to watch rehabilitation at West Ham.
West Ham wish Antonio ‘best of luck’ as Sullivan ally speaks
It felt like both sides may have been signalling the end after almost a decade together.
Now West Ham have wished Antonio ‘the best of luck for the future’ as a top Sullivan ally speaks out.
Sean Whetstone is a close confidant of both Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Amid the developments yesterday, the top Hammers insider took to social media late last night to relay a message from the club.
“Michail Antonio’s agent Mike Appiason believes his client will be better off with another club who can offer him a longer contract on better wages,” Whetstone said on X.
“West Ham will not stand in Michail’s way and they wish him the best of luck for his future if he decides to reject their short term contract.”
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Whether there is some brinkmanship going on here – on both sides – remains to be seen.
But at 35, Antonio and his agent cannot be blamed for looking out for the striker’s best interests given his next contract – wherever that may be – will likely be his last as a professional footballer.
By the same token, West Ham have also been good to Antonio, making him among their top paid players and renewing his contract several times. The club have also fully supported the forward in his recovery from the crash, as Antonio has stated himself.
The bargain £7.5m signing from Nottingham Forest has been a fantastic player for the club.
Sentimentality has seen many fans call for Antonio to be retained for a 10th season.
But Potter has already showed he does not let sentiment sway his judgement on such matters.
Antonio’s West Ham divorce must not get messy
This is the clearest indication that the fairytale is over.
What cannot be allowed to happen is for any villains to be made of the situation.
Whether that be Antonio, Potter or the board – the divorce must not be messy and tarnish his time in east London.
If the manager really wanted Antonio to stay he would insist on meeting Antonio’s demands.
If Antonio was truly desperate to remain out of sentimentality then he would accept whatever deal the Hammers are offering.
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West Ham and Antonio have been great for one another.
And if this is to be the end then the club will undoubtedly put a plan in place for him to return for a game dedicated to giving him the proper send-off he was denied by the uncertainty over his future.
That uncertainty seems to have been cleared up now and this looks like the end for one of the best servants in West Ham’s history.