West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has opened up about surviving a life-threatening car crash last December, describing the incident as a “horrendous accident” that left him “close to dying” and vowing to return to top-flight football.
Crash Details and Rescue
The 34-year-old striker lost control of his Ferrari during Storm Darragh on December 7 while driving home from training. The vehicle veered into a tree in Epping Forest, leaving Antonio trapped between seats with a shattered femur. Police confirmed no alcohol or drugs were involved, attributing the crash to hazardous weather.
“The car kept swinging out on me—I didn’t feel safe,” Antonio told BBC’s *Morning Live*, revealing he had considered returning the Ferrari weeks earlier. Emergency crews extracted him amid torrential rain, but air evacuation failed due to the storm. He was rushed to a hospital, where surgeons inserted a metal rod and bolts to repair his leg.
Grueling Recovery and Mental Resilience
Antonio, West Ham’s all-time Premier League top scorer, spent three weeks hospitalized and faces a 6–12 month recovery. Conflicting medical advice initially delayed his rehab, but he now walks without crutches and trains six days weekly. “I’m two to three months ahead of schedule,” he said, crediting therapy for helping him process the trauma. “Therapy saved me. I’ve been more emotional than ever, but it’s better than burying it.”
The father of six admitted confronting mortality shook him deeply. Visiting the wreckage weeks later, he said, “It hit me how close I was to not seeing my kids grow up.” His eldest son, 13, struggled with the ordeal, while younger children were shielded from graphic details.
Football Future and Club Support
Despite fears about his career—prompted by a physiotherapist’s question about career-ending insurance—Antonio remains defiant. “I’ll play again, 100%,” he declared, targeting a return to peak form. “People always doubt me. This setback won’t stop me.”
West Ham has funded his rehabilitation, including a Dubai recovery trip, while teammates rallied support. Jarrod Bowen honored him by lifting his shirt after a goal, and fans applauded Antonio during a recent stadium appearance. “The club’s support has been unbelievable. I’m a West Ham fan now,” he said.
Life After the Crash
Antonio has swapped sports cars for a Mercedes people carrier, driven by his brother, though he recently test-drove again. “I don’t remember the trauma, but I dread headlines if I even scratch the car now,” he admitted.
With his contract expiring this summer and new manager Graham Potter at the helm, Antonio acknowledged pressure to prove himself but refuses to rush: “I’ll return when I’m ready—no shortcuts.”
Fans continue stopping him for updates, a reminder of his impact. “I’ll keep saying it: I’ll be back scoring goals,” he vowed. “This is another chance at life—I won’t waste it.”
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