Michail Antonio got a hero’s welcome on his return to the London Stadium, three months after a car crash nearly ended his career. West Ham veteran Antonio fought back tears as he was presented to the crowd five minutes before Newcastle’s clash with the Hammers kicked off.
And the hugely popular figure, who has spent the last decade at West Ham, was given a rapturous applause as all four corners paid tribute to their all-time record Premier League scorer. The 34-year-old totalled his Ferrari and broke his leg in a horrific accident in early December, which left him fortunate to be alive. Antonio was forced to have surgery and spent three weeks in hospital before being discharged.
A matter of weeks later, Antonio walked out at the London Stadium under his own steam. And last month he spent two weeks completing a personalised recovery regime in Dubai.
It was initially feared that Antonio would miss at least a year of action as a result of his injuries, if not longer. But there are murmurings that he could now make it back before the end of the season.
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.”