West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has spoken publicly for the first time since being involved in a life-threatening car crash that left him in hospital for more than three weeks.
Antonio crashed into a tree while driving in Essex on December 7 and was airlifted to a London hospital, where he underwent surgery on his broken leg the next day. The player spent Christmas under treatment and observation, but he was eventually discharged on New Year’s Day.
Now Antonio took the moment to thank those who supported and helped him, as well as expressing a new appreciation for life given his ordeal.
“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m thankful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m thankful for: that I’m alive,” he said in a statement he published. Official West Ham website.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realize – I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I’ve made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming that tomorrow is guaranteed. I’ve seen close friends die, witnessed others facing near-death experiences, and even then I didn’t fully understand how precious life is.
“What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile and every moment counts. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to carry on and allowing me to still be here.
“To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom in West Ham United FC. The medical team, the board, all the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly couldn’t have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who have been by my side in everything, I cannot describe how much you mean to me.
“Finally, to the entire football community, thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It really meant the world. I love you all and I’m endlessly grateful for each and every one of you.
“Happy New Year – and I’ll be back on the field soon.”
West Ham have raised almost £60,000 to donate to the NHS and Air Ambulance charities in honor of the treatment Antonio received, by auctioning shirts worn at matches and then matching the amount.
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