West Ham United striker Michail Antonio posted an emotional assertion on New Yr’s Eve shortly after being launched from hospital.
The 34-year-old had been in hospital for twenty-four days following a horrific automobile accident that left him fearing for his life.
On December 7, Antonio needed to be extracted from his £260,000 Ferrari after careering off the street close to Theydon Bois in Essex.
The crash, which occurred in Epping Forest, noticed him find yourself in his passenger seat and he was trapped for greater than 45 minutes whereas fireplace crews tried to free him.
Antonio had been driving dwelling from West Ham’s Rush Inexperienced coaching floor forward of their Premier League match in opposition to Wolves when he collided with a tree.
He required surgical procedure after struggling a damaged leg, however Antonio sounded very optimistic when he stated in an announcement posted through Instagram that he was ‘grateful’ to be alive. The assertion was accompanied by a photograph of Antonio smiling whereas standing with a pair of crutches.
Michail Antonio, pictured on crutches on New Yr’s Eve, has stated he’s grateful to be alive
Antonio has thanked followers for his or her help after his horrific automobile accident
‘Yearly round this time, I am requested what I am grateful for, and yearly I’ve struggled to search out the proper phrases,’ the assertion started.
‘However this yr, I do know precisely what I am grateful for: being alive.
‘I need to take a second to acknowledge one thing I’ve come to grasp—I’ve spent so a few years taking life without any consideration. I made plans for the subsequent day, the subsequent yr, at all times assuming tomorrow was assured.
‘I’ve seen shut mates move away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I did not totally grasp simply how treasured life is.
‘What I have been by way of lately has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and each single second issues.
‘I am so grateful to God for giving me the energy to maintain going and for permitting me to nonetheless be right here.
‘To the emergency providers, the NHS, The Air Ambulance, everybody on the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everybody from high to backside at West Ham United FC. The medical crew, The board, all the employees, my crew mates and the superb West Ham followers… I actually couldn’t have gotten by way of this with out you. thanks from the underside of my coronary heart.
‘To my family members who stood by my facet all through the whole lot, I am unable to specific how a lot you imply to me.
‘Lastly, to the entire soccer neighborhood thanks for all of the love and help you have proven me. It has really meant the world. I like you all and I’m endlessly grateful for each one in every of you.’
Antonio shouldn’t be anticipated to function within the Premier League once more earlier than the tip of the season.
Nevertheless, he ended his assertion by telling followers: ‘Joyful new yr – and I will be again on that pitch quickly.’
It’s unclear whether or not he’ll ever play for West Ham once more, although, as his present contract with the Hammers is because of expire on June 30, 2025.
Antonio has been at West Ham since 2015 and has scored 83 objectives in 323 appearances throughout all competitions.
With 68 top-flight objectives, he’s the Hammers’ main Premier League scorer, forward of Jarrod Bowen (48) and Paolo Di Canio (47).
