Emotional West Ham stars walk out in Michail Antonio shirts for warm-up tribute as they open up on pal’s horror crash
WEST HAM players paid tribute to team-mate Michail Antonio after his terrifying car crash.
Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.
It comes after Antonio was involved in a horrific car crash on Saturday.
Antonio, 34, had a miraculous escape as he had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.
The forward was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.
Last night the Jamaica international was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.
The incident left the entire Premier League in a state of shock, especially the West Ham family.
Team-mate Jarrod Bowen paid tribute to Antonio before the Wolves clash, saying: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.
“Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.
“And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.
“It’s one of those things where life is bigger than football. It was one of those where everyone came together and I truly appreciate that.
“The main thing is that Mic’s safe, he’s well and he’s here to tell the story.
“Mic’s a warrior, Mic’s a fighter, he always has been throughout his career. I know he’ll be back stronger from this.”
Fans also paid tribute on the ninth minute with by standing to applaud their stricken star, who is their all-time record scrorer in the Premier League.
Tomas Soucek gave a nod to Antonio too after he opened the scoring with a header in the 54th minute on the night, holding up nine fingers in recognition of his stricken pal.
The East Londoners will auction off the walk-out tops with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Antonio.
Every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by the respective player.
All proceeds from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity.
The club also confirmed that all proceeds will be matched by the board.
West Ham announced: “West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.
“The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.
“Everyone at the Club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.”
Michail Antonio’s incredible rise
By Jon Boon
The outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.
The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.
After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.
However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.
Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.
“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”
Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.
He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.
Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.
The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.
He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.
“So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”
Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.