Michail Antonio has revealed he nearly died after speaking for the first time about his life-threatening car crash. The West Ham footballer admitted he is fortunate to be alive following the terrifying one-car accident in Theydon Bois, Essex, where he broke his leg and totalled his Ferrari. “I almost died but I was embarrassed about the crash and how bad it was,” Antonio said after spending three weeks recovering in hospital. “The police came and when they found me I was in between the two seats. I wasn’t actually in the driver’s seat. 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.”
The 34-year-old has been ruled out of action since the accident occurred in December. There were fears that the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer would never be able to return to football as he faced a year on the sidelines. However, the Jamaica international has been working tirelessly away from the pitch to return his body to optimal condition and may return a lot sooner than first thought. “I’m 100 per cent I’ll be back on the pitch,” Antonio told BBC Morning Live. “This is what I’m focused on. This is why I’m in six days a week. Mentally, I believe so too, because I never give up. I’m always focused, I always push myself. This is just another setback and this is not going to stop me.”
Antonio also revealed he “doesn’t remember much” from the incident having suffered short-term memory loss: “It’s weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody – the police, the people, and the person who found me,” he added.
“My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car. Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn’t get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital.”
The Hammers star was trapped in the wreckage for nearly an hour and had to be cut free by firefighters arriving on the scene. His ex-wife Debbie travelled down from Manchester to be with the forward at his bedside in hospital after hearing that he had been involved in a road traffic accident.
Shortly after undergoing surgery to repair the damage to his broken limb, Antonio posted images to social media of him standing with crutches in hospital.
Antonio received a hero’s welcome on his return to the London Stadium, three months after a car crash nearly ended his career. The 34-year-old Antonio fought back tears as he was paraded in front of the supporters five minutes before the clash with Newcastle kicked off in east London, earning a warm ovation from the crowd.
Shortly after the accident, Antonio admitted he was just happy to escape with his life. “I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted,” he said. “I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”
Addressing his potential return, West Ham boss Graham Potter urged for caution in estimating a time for the veteran forward’s return to action: “I think it’s too early to say [if he will play this season]. I wouldn’t like to put that deadline up and put pressure on him,” Potter said after the 1-1 draw with Everton.
“It’s great that he’s here, it’s great that he’s making the progress he is and we need to carry on supporting him. It’s day-by-day, week-by-week and then we’ll see. He’s tentatively out on the grass, but not so much. He’s on the [anti-gravity treadmill] which helps in non-weight bearing work. It’s baby steps.
“It’s day by day, week by week, and then we will see. It’s great that he is making the progress he is. He is very determined as you would imagine, and trying his best. But at the same time you have understand what he has been through, where the start point was.
Morning Live is made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions. Watch weekdays from 9.30am on BBC One.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.