West Ham forward Michail Antonio has revealed he narrowly escaped death in a devastating car crash that left him with a shattered leg. However, the Jamaican international is “100 percent” confident he will return to football.
Antonio, 34, underwent surgery after crashing his Ferrari into a tree on December 7. Speaking to the BBC, he admitted he has no recollection of how the accident occurred.
“All I know is that I hit a tree,” he said. “I don’t know how I hit a tree, that the police came and when they found me in the car, I was in between the two seats.”
Despite breaking his femur in four places, Antonio says his recovery is progressing faster than expected.
“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 and just focus 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 but admitted he sought therapy to cope with the trauma, particularly after Julen Lopetegui was replaced by Graham Potter as manager in January.
Michail Antonio, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, also reflected on his emotions following the crash, which happened near London.
“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, he acknowledges the lasting psychological impact. “Physically I’m getting better but mentally trauma lasts a long time,” he added. “So, there is always going be periods and going to be times where something’s going to affect me.”
