West Ham forward Michail Antonio shared a message with fans on Tuesday after being released from the hospital, continuing his recovery following a car accident in early December.“Happy New Year – and I’ll be back on that pitch soon,” the 34-year-old Jamaica international wrote in a statement posted on the club’s official website.
Antonio underwent surgery for a lower limb fracture after a one-car crash outside London on December 7 and is expected to face an extended rehabilitation period.“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words,” he reflected. “But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.”
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui previously described the outcome of the incident as a “miracle.” Antonio expressed gratitude to those who assisted him, including emergency services and air ambulance personnel, as well as the entire West Ham United FC organization.
Since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio has made over 300 appearances for West Ham and participated in all 14 matches this season prior to his accident. In a show of support, West Ham players wore “Antonio 9” shirts before their first game following the incident against Wolverhampton at the London Stadium. The signed kits were later auctioned, raising approximately $75,000 for the NHS and Air Ambulances UK.
In an earlier statement, West Ham reiterated their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff, and the NHS for their exceptional support provided to Michail in the aftermath of the accident.
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