Former West Ham United hero Michail Antonio insists he is not moving to Qatar for the money.
Antonio, who left West Ham United in the summer of 2025, has joined Qatari side Al‑Sailiya on a short-term contract.
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It will be fascinating to see how the next stage of his career develops. Antonio was in a serious road traffic accident in 2024 and is looking to rebuild his career, having previously starred for the Hammers.
Antonio remains a hugely popular figure at West Ham and he insists moving to the Qatari league is not down to money. Instead, he wants to rebuild in some perhaps more favourable conditions.
Qatar move isn’t about money, says Antonio
The 35-year-old has signed a two-month contract out in the Qatari league and believes the conditions will help him get fully fit quicker.
Indeed, speaking to BBC Sport, Antonio confirmed that a move to Championship side Charlton was close, but he favoured the idea of playing out in the Middle East rather than wading through the relentless schedule of the English second tier.
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“I need to focus on the first goal, playing games and being fit,” he said. “If I stay fit, I’ll perform and score goals. I feel like the best possibility of staying fit is out here rather than playing Tuesdays and Saturdays.”
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Interestingly, it was a message from former Everton defender Mason Holgate that saw him move to Qatar. Antonio has played with Holgate for Jamaica, and the defender is currently on the books at Al‑Sailiya.
According to the report, Al‑Sailiya manager Mirghani Al Zain asked Holgate if he knew anyone who may be able to come in on a free transfer after they suffered an injury to their first choice striker.
Antonio’s name came up and the rest, as they say, is history.
There is still a chance Antonio features for Jamaica in the World Cup, too. They will have to play against New Caledonia in the play-off round next month, before the winner of that game meets DR Congo to win a place in the finals later this year.
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