Michail Antonio speaks for first time since West Ham star involved in horror car crash - 'Lucky to be alive'
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West Ham striker Michail Antonio has released his first public statement since being discharged from hospital, expressing profound gratitude for being alive following his serious car crash last month.
The 34-year-old forward shared an emotional New Year's Eve message on Instagram after spending 24 days in hospital.
Antonio had undergone surgery for a broken leg following the December 7 incident, which saw his £260,000 Ferrari collide with a tree near Theydon Bois in Essex.
In his heartfelt social media post, accompanied by a photo of himself smiling whilst holding crutches, the Hammers striker reflected on his near-death experience and thanked emergency services, medical staff, and supporters for their help during his recovery.
Michail Antonio has spoken out after suffering a horror car crash
The crash occurred as Antonio was driving home from West Ham's Rush Green training ground ahead of a Premier League match against Wolves.
The impact was so severe that Antonio was forced into the passenger seat of his Ferrari, where he remained trapped for more than 45 minutes.
Emergency crews worked to free the striker from the wreckage before he was airlifted to a central London hospital.
He was subsequently treated at both the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals, where he underwent surgery on his broken leg.
The Jamaica international remained in hospital for 24 days before being discharged on December 31.
His teammates showed solidarity by wearing shirts bearing his name during warm-ups for their match against Wolves, with the jerseys later being auctioned to raise £60,000 for the NHS and Air Ambulance UK.
In his poignant Instagram message, Antonio wrote: "Every year around this time, I'm asked what I'm grateful for, and every year I've struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I'm grateful for: being alive."
Michail Antonio has vowed to return to action soon
Reuters
The striker reflected on how he had previously taken life for granted, saying: "I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed."
He expressed deep gratitude to those who aided his recovery: "To the emergency services, the NHS, The Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC... I honestly could not have got through this without you."
West Ham players have shown their support for Michail Antonio
Reuters
Antonio also thanked the wider football community: "To the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me.
"It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.
"Happy new year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon."
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