West Ham striker Michail Antonio has opened up about the horrific car crash that left him hospitalized for weeks and facing a long road to recovery.
The 34-year-old footballer crashed his Ferrari into a tree in Epping Forest on a stormy Saturday in early December. Images of the wreckage shocked fans, leaving many questioning if he had survived.
Antonio, speaking in an exclusive interview with BBC One’s Morning Live, described the incident as a life-changing moment. “It made me realize how close I was to dying,” he admitted. “I’ve been given another chance at life.”
A Horrifying Ordeal
On the day of the crash, Antonio had just finished training with West Ham ahead of a crucial Premier League match. Despite severe weather warnings for Storm Darragh, he set out in his newly acquired Ferrari—a car he already had reservations about.
“The back of the car kept swinging out on me,” Antonio recalled. “I didn’t feel safe in it.”
Yet, he has no memory of the crash itself. “It’s weird because I’ve been told I was awake and talking to people, but I don’t remember anything.”
He suffered a shattered femur, requiring emergency surgery to insert a rod and bolts into his thigh. Despite doctors advising against putting weight on his leg for three months, Antonio has made remarkable progress in his recovery.
Determined to Return
Antonio remains optimistic about playing professional football again. “Yes, 100%. I will play again,” he affirmed. “I know once I’m back playing, I’ll regain my sharpness.”
Despite fears his injury could end his career, Antonio is already ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, working six days a week to regain fitness.
“I was one of the quickest players at West Ham,” he said. “My body wasn’t that of a 34-year-old before the accident, and I believe I can still perform at the highest level.”
Life Lessons and Gratitude
Beyond football, the crash has given Antonio a new outlook on life, particularly as a father of six children. “The most difficult part was realizing I almost wasn’t there for my kids,” he shared.
He has also decided to stay away from high-performance cars, switching to a Mercedes people carrier and relying on his brother as his driver. “For now, sports cars are not my friends,” he said with a smile.
Antonio expressed deep gratitude for West Ham’s support, including funding his rehabilitation and organizing charity efforts for the emergency services involved in his rescue.
As he works toward his comeback, Antonio remains focused on his goal: “The love from the fans has been incredible. I want to repay them by getting back on the pitch and scoring goals again.”
West Ham striker Michail Antonio has revealed harrowing details of the car crash that nearly took his life last December. In an exclusive interview, the 34-year-old reflected on the accident, his recovery, and his determination to return to professional football.
The Day of the Crash
On Saturday, December 7, Antonio had just finished a routine training session with West Ham ahead of a Premier League match against Wolves. The day was marked by severe weather warnings as Storm Darragh lashed parts of the UK.
As Antonio drove home, his Ferrari—a car he had owned for just three weeks—spun out of control and crashed into a tree in Epping Forest. Images of the wreckage quickly spread on social media, leaving many questioning whether he had survived.
“I don’t remember anything from the crash,” Antonio admitted. “The police said they found me between the seats, like I was trying to climb out of the window. My leg was so badly broken that I couldn’t move.”
Despite initial reports suggesting an air ambulance transported him to the hospital, Antonio clarified that the storm prevented the helicopter from taking off, and he was taken by road.
The Injury and Recovery
Antonio suffered a shattered femur, which required a metal rod and four bolts to repair. Initially advised not to put weight on his leg for three months, a second medical opinion encouraged gradual weight-bearing exercises.
Now, just over three months after the crash, Antonio is walking and undergoing intensive rehabilitation.
“It’s the biggest injury of my career, but I am already two to three months ahead of where I should be. I will play again. I have no doubt,” he declared.
Debunking Rumors and Mental Resilience
Social media speculation suggested alcohol or drugs were involved, but Antonio firmly dismissed these claims.
“I’ve never taken drugs in my life,” he said. “I wasn’t drinking that day, and the police confirmed that.”
The crash has also tested his mental strength. Having previously benefited from therapy after personal struggles, Antonio believes it has helped him process the trauma.
“Before therapy, I would have suppressed it, maybe gotten angry or aggressive. But now, I’ve been more emotional than ever, and I think that’s healthier.”
A Future in Football and Family Reflection
Antonio remains focused on his return to the pitch, despite West Ham changing managers in his absence. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he remains optimistic.
“People have always doubted me, but my mental strength is my biggest asset. I will get back to my best.”
Beyond football, Antonio admits the crash forced him to reflect on life outside the game, particularly his role as a father.
“Seeing my car at the scrapyard made me realize how close I was to dying. The hardest part was almost not being there for my children.”
For now, Antonio has made one significant change—swapping sports cars for a Mercedes people carrier, with his brother as his driver.
The West Ham Support
West Ham has played a crucial role in Antonio’s recovery, funding his rehabilitation, including a trip to Dubai for physiotherapy and mental recovery. The club also honored him by wearing shirts with his name before a match, later auctioning them to raise funds for emergency services.
His return to London Stadium, albeit off crutches, was met with a warm ovation from fans.
“The love feels good. When I started playing football, I didn’t support any club. Now, I’m definitely a West Ham fan.”
As for his future, Antonio is clear: “The goal is to be back scoring goals.”
