Ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio has defended Callum Wilson.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Sun 10 August 2025 20:24, UK
Michael Antonio has urged West Ham supporters to change their stance on Callum Wilson.
Wilson signed for the Hammers on a free transfer after he left Newcastle at the end of last season.
However, the transfer was met with a hostile reaction from supporters due to his lack of goals and injury record recently.
His previous comments on the London Stadium outfit did not help his cause, and he may face a battle to win back the fans.
London Stadium, West Ham
Wilson is definitely not a fan favourite in East London. (Credit: Imago)
Antonio calls on West Ham fans to forgive Wilson
Antonio is a legendary figure at West Ham, after he topped the Premier League scoring charts in his 10 years at the club.
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However, it was on the Footballers’ Football Podcast, which Antonio hosted with Wilson, that the latter made the controversial comments on the Irons.
He compared Antonio’s UEFA Europa Conference League win with the Hammers to a trophy that he won on the popular video game FIFA.
He added that: “I don’t want to be too harsh on West Ham, because it’s only Michail I don’t like, not the West Ham fans!”
However, the former East London star has urged supporters to forgive Wilson for the mocking of their first trophy in 43 years.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook (10 August), he said: “No, to be fair, the podcast was fun, and there was a bit of banter between me and him.
“So I feel like he’s going to be there, he’s giving his all for the club, all for the shirt.
“I feel like the West Ham fans should support him, he’s a good friend of mine, and he is a quality player, all you need to do is try and keep him fierce.
“If we keep him fit, he will guarantee to bring goals to the club. So just back the boy and he’s come from me.”
Wilson can get West Ham fans back on side
Wilson boasts an excellent record against West Ham, with 12 goals in 16 appearances, but if he starts scoring for Graham Potter’s side he will be forgiven.
At his best, Wilson is a lethal finisher, capable of finding himself in the right position at the right time, but that has not been the case for a few seasons now, as fitness issues have taken their toll.
If he can get past the injury issues that have dogged him in the past, it could become a very fruitful partnership between old enemies.
It remains to be seen whether that is the case, and the ex-Magpies ace faces a tough task to turn his reputation around with his new fanbase.
It is a gamble for both parties, but it could prove to be another masterstroke from David Sullivan if Wilson can revert back to his old form in his new surroundings.
That seems to be unlikely, but you never know in football.
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