Michail Antonio: I Almost Died In Horror Car Crash But Confident of Football Return

West Ham forward Michail Antonio has revealed he came close to death in a devastating car crash that left him with a shattered leg but insists he is “100 percent” confident of making a return to football.

The Jamaica international required surgery after his Ferrari crashed into a tree on December 7.

“All I know is that I hit a tree,” Antonio told the BBC. “I don’t know how I hit a tree. The police came, and when they found me in the car, I was in between the two seats.”

The 34-year-old, who previously survived a serious crash in 2019, suffered a broken femur in four places but 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 while focusing on myself. I’m definitely in a good place right now, both physically and mentally.”

Despite the severity of his injuries, Antonio remains determined: “I’m 100 percent certain that I’ll be back on the pitch. That’s my focus.”

Antonio praised West Ham for their support but admitted that the managerial change from Julen Lopetegui to Graham Potter in January added to his struggles.

“If I rush myself back to prove something when I’m not physically right, it puts me in a bad position because I won’t be able to do what I want to do,” he explained.

The club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League also opened up about his emotions following the crash, which happened near London.

“Obviously, I almost died in the crash. It made me feel slightly embarrassed that it was that bad,” he admitted.

“Physically, I’m getting better, but mentally, trauma lasts a long time. There will always be times when something affects me,” he added.