West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer provides an update on his progress since his car accident in December: "I’ll be back on the pitch."
Michail Antonio, speaking about the trauma
West Ham and Reggae Boyz forward Michail Antonio revealed to the BBC that he narrowly escaped death in a devastating car crash, which left him with a shattered leg.
The 34-year-old forward, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, also reflected on his emotions following the crash, which occurred near London. “All I know is that I hit a tree,” he said. “I don’t know how I hit a tree, but when the police arrived and found me in the car, I was wedged between the two seats.”
Antonio, who received a warm welcome upon his return to London Stadium three months after his car accident on March 11, underwent surgery following the crash. "They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window, but because my leg was so badly broken the pain probably stopped me from being able to get out.”
Speaking to the BBC, the Hammers forward admitted having no recollection of how the accident occurred. However, he provided an update on his progress since the crash in December.
“I’m a good three months ahead of where I should be,” he said. “I’ve lifted 130 kilograms on the leg, and I’m trying to do other things while focusing on myself. So it’s definitely a good place right now, and mentally, I’m in a good place too.” He added, “I’m 100 percent certain that I’ll be back on the pitch. This is what I’m focused on.”
The West Ham striker praised the club for their support. “Obviously, I’ve almost died in the car crash. It just made me slightly embarrassed that it was that bad,” he admitted.
Although he is making physical progress, Antonio acknowledges the lasting psychological impact. “Physically, I’m getting better, but mentally, trauma lasts a long time,” he added. “So, there are always going to be periods and moments where something affects me.”
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